Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called on Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to prioritise zoning arrangements in any potential pre-election agreement with United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a burial in Laikipia County, Gachagua emphasised that clear zoning frameworks would be critical in protecting party interests and preventing competition between allied candidates in political strongholds.
“ODM must be very clear that before they proceed on any agreement, they must agree on zoning. Areas that are predominantly dominated by ODM must be left for ODM,” he said.
Zoning Emerges as Key Negotiation Issue
The zoning debate is increasingly taking centre stage within ODM, as sections of the party explore possible cooperation frameworks that could align with the re-election bid of William Ruto in 2027.
Several ODM leaders have proposed that any agreement with UDA should include a structured power-sharing formula. Among the proposals is a 50-50 arrangement in key political positions, including the Deputy President slot, should a coalition be formed.
Supporters of zoning argue that such arrangements are essential to avoid what is commonly referred to as “friendly fire”—a scenario where allied parties field competing candidates in the same region, splitting votes and weakening their overall electoral strength.
Concerns Over Growing Political Competition
Gachagua pointed to rising political activity in regions traditionally considered ODM strongholds, particularly in Nyanza, where UDA has been expanding its presence.
A number of aspirants affiliated with UDA have already expressed interest in contesting seats ranging from Member of County Assembly to gubernatorial positions in these regions. This growing competition, he warned, could significantly alter traditional voting patterns if not addressed through negotiated agreements.
“If we open it up without clear terms, parties risk weakening their own structures,” Gachagua cautioned, urging ODM leaders to approach any negotiations with clearly defined conditions.
Zoning and Coalition Politics in Kenya
Zoning is not a new concept in Kenyan politics. It has previously been applied in coalition arrangements such as within the Jubilee Party and the National Super Alliance (NASA), where partner parties agreed to back single candidates in specific regions to maximise electoral gains.
However, such agreements have historically faced challenges, including resistance from grassroots aspirants, shifting loyalties, and disputes over fairness in allocation of positions.
In the current context, the renewed push for zoning reflects broader efforts by political actors to streamline coalition strategies ahead of what is expected to be a highly competitive 2027 election.
What Lies Ahead
As discussions around possible ODM-UDA cooperation continue, zoning is likely to remain a central issue in negotiations.
The outcome will not only influence how parties manage their strongholds but also shape candidate selection, coalition stability, and overall electoral strategy.
Gachagua maintained that structured engagement between parties will be essential to maintaining cohesion and avoiding internal competition.
“I’m advising them to be clear on zoning so that each party can retain its influence where it is strongest,” he said.
