Why UDA rejected ODM's Zoning Push
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA), Kenya's ruling party under President William Ruto, has rejected the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM)'s push for political zoning ahead of the 2027 general elections. This stems from ongoing negotiations around their broad-based government arrangement and potential pre-election coalition. Zoning refers to an agreement where coalition partners agree not to field candidates in each other's traditional strongholds (e.g. barring UDA from contesting in ODM-dominated areas like Nyanza, parts of Western Kenya, and the Coast, and vice versa). ODM has pushed for this to protect its parliamentary, senate, and county assembly seats, accusing UDA of "raiding" or encroaching on its bases by fielding or supporting candidates there. 1. UDA's rejection is based on several key reasons from party officials and statements: UDA positions itself as a national party with broad support across Kenya, not confined to ethnic or regional blocs. It ...