UDA and ODM Clash Over Constituency Zoning Ahead of 2027 Polls

The alliance between President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), led by Oburu Oginga, is facing growing tensions over how the parties will divide electoral constituencies ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The two parties have made progress towards developing a joint manifesto, which is expected to provide the policy framework for their partnership. However, negotiations over electoral zoning have exposed differences over their respective political interests.

ODM wants its traditional strongholds protected from UDA competition. The party argues that allowing UDA to expand aggressively into areas such as Nyanza would undermine the understanding behind the broad-based government. UDA, however, is unwilling to give up its efforts to build support in areas where it has established grassroots networks.

The competition is already becoming evident in different parts of the country. President Ruto’s recent visit to Nyanza has been interpreted by ODM supporters as a sign that UDA intends to expand its political presence in the region. At the same time, ODM-aligned groups, including the Linda Mwananchi brigade, are preparing to establish a presence in Nairobi. In Northern Kenya, opposition-aligned groups are also increasing their activities, adding to the political competition within and around the alliance.

The zoning debate has also revived memories of previous political agreements, which often depended on negotiations between party leaders and councils of elders. However, the Agikuyu Council of Elders has acknowledged that this approach is facing increasing pressure as voters demand greater freedom to assess individual candidates rather than follow political agreements made by their leaders.