Tensions are brewing within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) over proposed electoral zoning arrangements ahead of the 2027 general elections, as the party navigates delicate coalition negotiations with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
The simmering divisions came to light during an ODM Parliamentary Group (PG) meeting, where legislators engaged in a heated debate over reports that the party could cede some of its traditional strongholds to UDA as part of a broader political cooperation framework.
Several MPs who attended the closed-door session said the discussions reflected growing unease among a section of lawmakers who fear that zoning could weaken ODM’s grassroots machinery and alienate loyal supporters.
“There is concern that zoning, if not carefully negotiated, may be seen as surrendering political ground we have built over the years, especially at a time when the unity of the party is being tested,” one lawmaker said, requesting anonymity.
At the heart of the debate is how ODM will balance its long-standing dominance in regions such as Nyanza, Coast, and Western Kenya with the realities of a possible coalition arrangement with UDA, a party that has been aggressively expanding its national footprint.
However, National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohammed dismissed claims that ODM would cede ground to the ruling party.
“The ODM PG has agreed that we will make our party vibrant and maintain the electoral position that the party holds currently and increase the numbers. We can’t negotiate on anything that touches on our party strength,” Mohammed said during a press conference.
Acting Party Leader Oburu Oginga is said to have urged members to remain calm during the meeting, emphasizing that any coalition framework would be guided by mutual respect, electoral strength, and the broader national interest.
According to sources, Oginga reminded MPs that coalition politics requires compromise but assured them that ODM would not enter into any arrangement that diminishes its identity or bargaining power.
The internal debate underscores the delicate balancing act ODM faces as it seeks to position itself strategically ahead of 2027 while managing internal dissent and maintaining its traditional support base.
