Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo has shed light on the Orange Democratic Movement’s (ODM) evolving political strategy, drawing parallels from South Africa.
This comes even as debate deepens in Kenya over the broad-based government arrangement and a possible alliance between ODM and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a statement following a recent trip to South Africa, Odhiambo revealed that she was part of a delegation of Kenyan leaders invited to the Democratic Alliance (DA) Party Federal Congress in Johannesburg.
“I was part of a team of Kenyan leaders primarily from ODM and PDP invited as specials guests for the DA Party Federal Congress [ equivalent of NDC] in Jo’burg South Africa. The PLP had , Hon Martha Karua, the SG Wakili Asha and Mathenge their young leader. ODM team had Hon Shakbal, Liz Yogo and myself. It was a really good trip with powerful lessons in all fronts,” she said.
She highlighted several takeaways from the DA’s participation in South Africa’s coalition government, saying that the organizational skills were top notch, they are clear and intentional.
“They, like ODM are in an arrangement with the government where they have 6 Ministers and 4 Assistants. They have agreed that to maintain their strength as the Bue Machine and overtake ANC, they have to perform outstandingly in their municipalities and Ministries under their charge, strengthen the party, not lose their identity and values, do not want the vice presidency as it makes them subservient and do not want zoning,” she stated.
“We have a lot to learn.”
Broad-Based Government in Kenya
Odhiambo’s remarkscome amid a heated debate on the broad-based government arrangement between President William Ruto’s UDA-led administration and ODM.
The arrangement emerged in the aftermath of sustained political tensions and anti-government protests, with sections of the opposition agreeing to engage the government on key national issues, including the cost of living, electoral reforms, and governance.
While not a formal coalition, the broad-based approach has seen opposition leaders take up influential parliamentary roles and participate in bipartisan talks, blurring traditional lines between government and opposition.
2027 Calculations and UDA–ODM Talks
Her comments also come amid growing speculation over a potential political pact between UDA and ODM ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Key figures in both camps have fueled talk of a possible alliance or structured cooperation, potentially reshaping Kenya’s political landscape.
In the last few days, negotiations have remained delicate, with key sticking points including power-sharing arrangements, party identity, and grassroots influence (zoning).
Zoning Disputes
One of the most contentious issues in these discussions, and within parties themselves, is zoning.
Zoning, where parties informally agree to allocate elective seats to specific candidates or regions, has sparked resistance, particularly among younger politicians who argue it undermines democratic competition.
Odhiambo’s reference to the DA’s rejection of zoning reflects similar debates within ODM and across the political divide in Kenya.
Her statement, “Do not want zoning”, ligns with a growing faction within political parties that is pushing for open competition rather than negotiated candidacies.
Critics of zoning argue it entrenches political elites, locks out emerging leaders, and limits voter choice, while proponents say it helps manage internal conflicts and strengthens coalition cohesion.
Read: ODM Youths, Aspirants Push Back Against Zoning, Call It a Threat to Democracy
>>> Young Politicians Oppose Zoning Proposals in ODM–UDA 2027 Pact
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