Ugenya MP opposes zoning, warns of voter apathy

***Movement for Democratic and Growth (MDG) Party leader during an earlier event in Siaya county. Faith Matete***

Ugenya MP and Movement for Democratic and Growth (MDG) party leader David Ochieng has warned that proposals to zone political regions ahead of the next General Election could undermine democratic competition, suppress voter participation and erode constitutional principles.

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Ochieng, who is also eying the Siaya governor seat, said zoning threatens foundation of competitive politics by pre-determining electoral outcomes.

“Zoning is a bad idea from the word go. It kills competition, weakens political parties and discourages people from voting,” Ochieng said.

He argued that Kenya’s constitution requires political parties to be national in outlook, cautioning that zoning based on regional or ethnic considerations runs counter to this requirement.

“The moment you start saying this party belongs to this region and another party belongs elsewhere, you are already violating the constitution,” he said.

Ochieng linked zoning to declining voter turnout, citing recent by-elections where participation dropped sharply in areas perceived as politically ‘locked’.

“In some constituencies where competition was effectively absent, turnout fell to as low as 24 per cent. But in areas with real competition, turnout rose to over 45 per cent,” he said.

According to the MDG leader, voter apathy is not accidental but a direct response to elections where citizens feel their choices no longer matter.

“When people believe winners are decided in boardrooms rather than at the ballot, they stay away from voting,” he said.

Ochieng warned that zoning also undermines leadership quality by sidelining merit in favour of political arrangements.

“You don’t necessarily get the most capable leaders when competition is removed. You get those who fit political deals, not those best suited to serve the people,” he said.

While affirming MDG’s position within the Kenya Kwanza alliance, Ochieng was clear that the party’s support for President William Ruto’s re-election bid remains unchanged.

“We support President Ruto’s second-term bid, but we will oppose any attempt to zone the country along perceived party or regional strongholds,” he said.

He warned that zoning could deepen regional divisions and reverse gains made toward national cohesion and inclusive politics.

As part of its preparations for the 2027 polls, Ochieng said the party is intensifying grassroots mobilisation as part of a broader strategy to position itself as a national political outfit.

Ochieng said MDG has spent the past year strengthening its presence at the Coast, Central Kenya, Rift Valley and North Rift, through branch formation, recruitment drives and engagement with local leaders.

“We deliberately went back to the grassroots last year to build structures. We have been in Kisauni, Kwale, Kilifi, Kajiado, Murang’a and all the way to Kapenguria,” Ochieng said.

He noted that the party is preparing to field candidates in various elective positions across the country, adding that MDG’s approach is anchored in open competition rather than negotiated political arrangements.

Ochieng said the party’s activities will intensify as it marks its 10th anniversary this year, which he described as a key milestone in MDG’s political journey.

“This year marks 10 years since the formation of MDG. The activities leading up to that celebration will also serve as part of our preparations for the next elections,” he said.

As political realignments intensify ahead of 2027, Ochieng urged leaders to prioritise democratic integrity over short-term political convenience.

“Democracy thrives on choice, competition and accountability. Once you remove competition, you weaken democracy,” he said.