UDA in Nyanza: No zoning deal as Ruto allies push back

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) officials in Homa Bay have continued to hit out ODM leaders for demanding political zoning in the Nyanza region.

The officials claimed that the push for zoning will create apathy among Nyanza residents and interfere with voter turnout in the region.

Homa Bay Town Constituency UDA chairman Franklin Oluoch argued that the demand by ODM leaders has sinister motives that will undermine the candidacy of William Ruto, whom he said the majority of residents will support in the 2027 polls.

According to UDA officials, President Ruto has proved to the Nyanza people that he is a true friend who values development progress more than mere politics.

President Ruto is courting votes in the Nyanza region ahead of the 2027 polls after forming a broad-based government with ODM.

The coalition government has improved Ruto’s support in the region, which did not back him in the 2022 presidential election.

ODM and UDA have also shown signs of forming a pact as they prepare for the 2027 election battles.

ODM has tasked its leader, Oburu Oginga, to spearhead negotiations with the UDA team led by President Ruto.

ODM has disclosed that one of its negotiation agendas is political zoning. The party wants areas perceived as its strongholds to be left to it, meaning UDA would not field candidates.

But Oluoch said political zoning undermines democracy.

“ODM is not sincere in its demand for zoning in Luo Nyanza counties. UDA will not allow it due to the voter apathy it will create,” Oluoch said.

Speaking to journalists in Homa Bay Town on Tuesday, Oluoch described ODM’s zoning demand as a selfish agenda meant to benefit leaders who have failed the electorate in service delivery.

According to the official, President Ruto has made inroads in the Nyanza region due to his development track record and should not deny tickets to candidates who want to vie on a UDA ticket.

He told ODM leaders to come up with a better formula for negotiations with UDA and President Ruto instead of, as he put it, using blackmail and political zoning.

“ODM can’t claim to support the re-election of President Ruto while at the same time opposing UDA fielding candidates in the Nyanza region. Poor nominations anger people, and disenfranchised individuals can turn up to vote if they have alternative candidates,” he said.

UDA members urged President Ruto to ignore the calls and instead allow party members to vie for various seats in Nyanza counties in the 2027 polls.

“Wananchi should be allowed to decide the leaders they want. Candidates should not be imposed on them by those who have realised they are unpopular,” he added.

Oluoch urged residents to continue registering as voters.

The UDA official expressed satisfaction with the way youths have responded to ID uptake and voter registration.

“A voter’s card is the only tool we can use to choose the leaders we want. Let’s enrol as voters,” he said.

Homa Bay Central Ward UDA chairman Erick Omondi told ODM politicians not to fear competition if the party is truly popular in the Nyanza region.

He said they want people to turn out in large numbers and re-elect President Ruto.

“Zoning is done by political parties that are not strong enough to win elections. ODM’s demands suggest it needs help because it is weak,” Omondi said.