A fresh wave of dissent has rocked the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) in Migori County, with a section of party aspirants now openly rejecting calls for zoning of elective seats, warning that the move could weaken the party’s grassroots support and trigger voter apathy ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The latest pushback is led by ODM Uriri Branch Organizing Secretary Omondi Gwonyo, who has termed the zoning narrative as unpopular, divisive, and a threat to democratic participation within the party. Gwonyo cautioned that imposing candidates under the guise of zoning risks alienating supporters and undermining ODM’s long-standing democratic credentials in the region.
“Zoning is for the weak. Only unpopular politicians would advocate for it,” Gwonyo stated.
He further challenged proponents of the zoning formula, accusing them of fearing open competition and attempting to shield themselves from the will of the people.
“Those pushing for zoning are afraid of competition and as ODM Uriri Branch we urge the party to allow our members to compete freely with other political formations because we are not afraid of anyone,” he added.
Gwonyo warned that past elections have shown that zoning often leads to disengagement among voters, particularly when candidates are perceived to be imposed on the electorate.
“Zoning has been responsible for voter apathy in Luoland in the past elections and should be avoided going forward,” Gwonyo noted.
His sentiments reflect a widening rift within ODM, where opinions over zoning remain sharply divided. While a section of party officials continues to advocate for the approach as a way of maintaining unity and minimizing internal wrangles, a growing number of aspirants now see it as an outdated tactic that stifles democracy and locks out emerging leaders.
Migori ODM Party Organizing Secretary Walter Owino is among leaders who have acknowledged the ongoing debate within the party, even as calls for consensus continue to emerge from some quarters. However, the rising resistance from grassroots leaders signals a potential shift in how the party may approach nominations in the coming election cycle.
The internal contestation within ODM has also drawn reactions from leaders allied to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), who have seized on the debate to call for a more open and competitive political environment in the region.
Migori UDA gubernatorial aspirant Pamela Odhiambo reiterated her opposition to zoning, maintaining that democracy must be anchored on the free will of the people rather than political arrangements driven by party elites.
“If ODM is a real champion for democracy then they should allow the people’s will to prevailing and avoid the tendency of handpicked candidates in the name of zoning. They are used to muzzling voters through self-imposing candidates down the people’s throat. Let the free will of the people prevail so that we get meaningful representation and development. The tendency of handpicked candidates have led to voter apathy in the previous elections and may not work in favour of the people,” Dr Odhiambo noted.
Nyatike parliamentary aspirant Odiso Ogenga also dismissed the zoning calls, warning that such a move could disenfranchise aspirants and undermine democratic competition.
“We know the ploy by ODM seeks to disenfranchised aspirants from the ruling coalition. This must not be allowed to thrive in a democratic space. Let them face off with other opponents in a fair poll and allow the people decide. In case they move on with their set agenda then this risk creating a serious apathy. Democracy dictates that the will of the people must be respected and adhered to,” Ogenga stated.
Migori UDA youth leader Byron Oginga echoed similar sentiments, urging ODM leaders to abandon zoning and instead embrace transparency and inclusivity in the electoral process, noting that the political landscape in Nyanza is rapidly evolving.
The zoning debate, long associated with ODM’s efforts to manage internal competition in its strongholds, is now emerging as a defining issue that could shape the party’s future in the region. While proponents argue that zoning helps streamline nominations and prevent internal disputes, critics insist that it erodes internal democracy and discourages voter participation.
Political analysts observe that the growing resistance from both ODM insiders and UDA aspirants reflects a broader demand for political openness and accountability. As competition intensifies and new players gain ground, the pressure on ODM to rethink its traditional strategies is likely to increase.
With the 2027 General Election fast approaching, the party now faces a delicate balancing act—maintaining unity while responding to calls for inclusivity and democratic reforms. Whether ODM will heed the concerns raised by its own grassroots leaders or proceed with zoning remains uncertain, but the ongoing debate underscores a significant تحول in the region’s political dynamics.
For now, one message rings clear across the divide: the electorate is increasingly demanding a voice in determining its leadership—and any attempt to curtail that voice may come at a political cost.
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