A group of young politicians has come out strongly against emerging zoning proposals linked to a possible 2027 electoral arrangement between the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Speaking in Nairobi on April 7, 2026, the politicians warned that the move could undermine democratic competition and lock out new leadership.
The leaders argued that zoning, where parties agree to field candidates in select regions to avoid competition, would entrench political elites at the expense of youth, women and fresh entrants.
“We strongly condemn zoning because it will lock out young people, women leaders, and new entrants who bring fresh ideas and new hope, while preserving the status quo,” said Godwin Oyindo.
“If leaders are truly strong in their areas, they should not fear open competition, and democracy must be protected across Kenya.”
Echoing similar sentiments, Stephen Tolo accused proponents of zoning of deflecting from accountability, arguing that such arrangements could weaken party credibility ahead of the next General Election.
“We stand here to oppose the zoning narrative because those promoting it have failed the electorate and are now shifting focus instead of addressing real issues, even after the passing of Raila Odinga,” he said.
“If zoning is embraced it will lead to shambolic party nominations, so we reject it and demand that every political party ensures transparent, fair processes so qualified leaders can be elected across Kenya.”
For Kevin Ochieng, zoning risks replicating past nomination disputes that have often plagued major political parties.
“We have all seen the negative impacts of zoning, where young leaders’ ambitions are eroded because parties favor individuals with personal connections and hand them direct tickets, then expect people to vote without choice,” he said.
“We call on all members and counterparts in the broad-based arrangement to let the people decide freely, because if leaders are truly strong they should not fear competition, and zoning will harm both present and future political opportunities across Kenya.”
Another aspirant, Tobias Osano, says no barriers should be created within the political space to hinder aspirants with diverse ideologies from choosing parties that best represent their people on the ground.
“Kenya has made great strides in multiparty democracy, and no barriers should be created within the political space to hinder aspirants with diverse ideologies from choosing parties that best represent their people on the ground. They must not be prohibited from participating freely, as open competition is essential to sustaining democracy,” Osano says.
Zoning debate
The debate over zoning has gained traction amid speculation of a broader political understanding between ODM and UDA, parties associated with President William Ruto and opposition leader Odinga Odinga.
Zoning has previously been used in Kenyan politics to manage coalition interests and avoid internal competition, particularly in strongholds. Proponents argue that it helps consolidate votes and reduce costly intra-party disputes.
Some senior politicians have defended the concept in the past, saying it can strengthen coalition unity. Allies of President Ruto have previously hinted at the need for strategic political arrangements to avoid splitting votes in key regions, while ODM insiders have at times supported negotiated democracy to maintain regional dominance.
However, critics, including a section of legislators and aspirants, have warned that zoning undermines democratic principles. Several leaders across parties have previously called for open nominations, citing voter dissatisfaction with direct tickets and imposed candidates during past elections.
Political analysts note that the push and pull over zoning reflects a broader generational shift, as younger leaders demand more inclusive and competitive political spaces ahead of the 2027 polls.
As discussions around a possible ODM–UDA pact continue, the resistance from youth politicians signals a growing challenge to traditional power-sharing arrangements that have long shaped Kenya’s electoral politics.
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