ODM Rift Deepens as Nyanza MPs Reject UDA ‘Zoning’ Deal Ahead of 2027 Polls
Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo, flanked by colleagues Elisha Odhiambo (Gem), Jared Okello (Nyando), and James Oyoo (Muhoroni), addresses the press to reject proposed political zoning.
NAIROBI, Kenya — A high-stakes political storm is brewing within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) as a powerful faction of Nyanza legislators launched a scathing attack against proposed “zoning” arrangements with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Led by the Suba North Member of Parliament, Millie Odhiambo, the lawmakers warned that any attempt to “cordon off” electoral areas through boardroom deals is a direct betrayal of the Kenyan voter. The dissent highlights a growing rift within the party over how to navigate the “broad-based” government arrangement ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
“Voters, Not Boardrooms”
Speaking with characteristic bluntness, Millie Odhiambo dismissed the zoning agenda as a selfish scheme designed to protect the seats of unpopular politicians. She argued that ODM’s historical strength lies in its ability to compete and win on a national stage without artificial shields.
“When we start pushing an agenda strongly of zoning, it means we are putting our personal interests ahead of those of our constituents,” Odhiambo declared.
She challenged her colleagues to stop hiding behind party arrangements and instead face the electorate with their track records. To her, the essence of leadership is the courage to compete.
“We need to listen to the public and show what we have done for them. Leadership should not be about avoiding competition,” she added.
The Fight for Democratic Space
The sentiment of defiance was shared by Nyando MP Jared Okello, who drew a line in the sand regarding the ODM-UDA partnership. While the two parties have recently found common ground in governance, Okello insisted that this should not translate into a political monopoly that stifles other voices.
“We will not segregate this country only for ODM and UDA,” Okello remarked, signaling that the party must remain open to the democratic process rather than carving up the map into exclusive zones.
Muhoroni MP James Onyango K’Oyoo noted that while the party hierarchy has the mandate to steer the ship, the ultimate goal must be to “enlarge the democratic space” rather than shrinking it through restrictive zoning policies.
Defending the Interior PS
The press briefing also took an unexpected turn when Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo waded into the friction between politicians and government technocrats. He came to the defense of Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, who has recently been a target of political heat from some ODM quarters.Odhiambo urged his peers to distinguish between administrative governance and active politics.
“Talk politics to us fellow politicians, not government officers,” he stated, suggesting that the energy spent attacking the PS should be redirected toward legislative and political accountability.
A Crossroads for ODM
The rejection of zoning by these influential Nyanza MPs presents a significant headache for party strategists. While some insiders view zoning as a way to ensure a smooth coalition with President William Ruto’s UDA, the “rebel” faction views it as a dilution of the party’s identity.
As the 2027 roadmap begins to take shape, the internal pushback suggests that ODM’s traditional strongholds are not ready to accept “negotiated democracy” if it means losing their right to choose their own leaders in a free and competitive environment.
