Nyanza MPs Reject Zoning Debate, Defend Regional Appointees and Call for Stronger ODM Ahead of 2027

Nyanza MPs Reject Zoning Debate, Defend Regional Appointees and Call for Stronger ODM Ahead of 2027

From left: Felix Odiwuor, James Oyoo, Elisha Odhiambo and Millie Odhiambo address the media, where section of Nyanza ODM MPs rejected zoning proposals, defended regional government appointees and called for credible party nominations ahead of the 2027 elections

By Jeff Oyugi 

Nairobi - April 7, 2026

A section of Members of Parliament from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) drawn from the Nyanza region has rejected calls for political zoning within the party, urging instead for credible nominations, unity and protection of government appointees from the region amid growing debate over the party’s internal direction ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking in separate remarks during a joint address, the lawmakers argued that zoning would undermine internal democracy within ODM and weaken the party’s national outlook, while also warning against attempts to push out senior government officials from the region currently serving in national positions.

Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo said zoning risks promoting personal political interests at the expense of democratic competition and accountability to voters, emphasizing that ODM has historically remained strong without relying on such arrangements.

Odhiambo clarified that she was expressing her personal view and not an official party position, noting she did not attend the party’s recent National Delegates Convention where the issue may have been discussed.

She argued that as one of the country’s largest political parties, ODM has consistently fielded candidates across the country without formal zoning arrangements, and should continue strengthening its structures rather than limiting competition among aspirants.

“When we begin to strongly push an agenda of zoning, it suggests we are prioritizing personal interests ahead of those of our constituents,” she said, adding that leaders who have effectively served their constituencies should not fear facing opponents during nominations.

Odhiambo also criticized what she described as misplaced ultimatums tied to zoning demands, saying party leaders should instead focus on issues that directly benefit wananchi. She maintained that strengthening internal democracy through credible nominations would enhance the party’s legitimacy and public confidence.

She further called for unity within ODM and welcomed leaders who had previously left the party but were now returning, saying the party’s strength lay in inclusivity rather than exclusion.

On concerns regarding possible removal of senior government officials from the region, Odhiambo defended their continued presence in national leadership, arguing that Nyanza had historically been marginalized in access to government appointments and resources.

She cited recent appointments of senior figures from the region to cabinet and principal secretary positions as gains that should be safeguarded rather than undermined.

Nyando MP Okello Jared echoed similar sentiments, cautioning that zoning could undermine Kenya’s multi-party democracy by limiting political competition and excluding other parties from participating freely across regions.

He noted that Kenya currently has more than 100 registered political parties and warned that restricting competition to only a few dominant parties through zoning arrangements could weaken democratic space.

“If zoning is targeting only certain parties such as ODM and UDA, then we are disenfranchising others and narrowing political competition in the country,” he said.

Jared further cited constitutional provisions on political rights, arguing that any attempt to restrict political participation through zoning could contradict the principles enshrined in the Bill of Rights.

He also defended Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omolo against calls for his removal, saying there was no credible justification for replacing a senior security official close to the election period.

He noted that leadership changes in key security positions shortly before elections could destabilize preparations for the polls, urging critics to allow existing officials to continue serving until after the 2027 elections.

Muhoroni MP James Oyoo emphasized the importance of respecting party leadership structures when addressing sensitive policy issues such as zoning, noting that official party positions should be communicated by the party leader or secretary general.

He warned against what he described as attempts by some leaders to push for removal of public officials from the region due to political rivalry, arguing that such moves risk undermining community representation in government.

Oyoo said communities that had historically struggled for representation should instead protect the few leadership positions they currently hold at the national level.

He further pointed to recent gains in national appointments from the region, saying they reflected improved engagement with the national government and should not be jeopardized by internal political disputes.

Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo also rejected zoning proposals, describing them as a disguised attempt to secure direct nomination tickets without competition.

He said credible and transparent party primaries remained the most effective way of strengthening ODM and maintaining its popularity across the country.

“If nominations are credible, ODM candidates will still win elections,” he said, adding that leaders advocating zoning were likely those worried about facing competition within the party.

Elisha Odhiambo also criticized attempts by some politicians to call for the removal of Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omolo, arguing that such matters should be addressed through proper government channels rather than political pressure.

He urged leaders to focus on political competition instead of targeting public servants performing their duties.

The MPs’ remarks come amid renewed debate within ODM over the possibility of zoning electoral areas as part of broader political arrangements linked to cooperation between opposition leaders and the Kenya Kwanza administration under President William Ruto.

While some leaders have argued zoning could reduce internal conflicts and strengthen strategic alliances, critics within the party warn it risks undermining internal democracy and alienating grassroots supporters.

The lawmakers also defended what they described as a growing working relationship between ODM and the national government under the emerging broad-based political arrangement, saying it should be used to secure development opportunities and representation for historically marginalized communities.

They emphasized that unity within the party and protection of regional interests would be critical as ODM prepares for future political contests.

As debate over zoning continues within ODM ranks, the MPs called on party members to prioritize credible nominations, inclusivity and cohesion to ensure the party remains competitive nationally ahead of the 2027 polls.