UDA and ODM Clash at State House Over Zoning Ahead of 2027 Elections

A high-level meeting between the ruling UDA party and ODM was held at State House, Nairobi on Thursday, April 23, 2026, revealing growing political tension between the two parties as the 2027 General Election draws closer.

President William Ruto and ODM party leader Oburu Oginga co-chaired the meeting.

At the centre of the talks was the issue of political zoning, with ODM leaders seeking to protect their traditional strongholds, especially in Nyanza, from UDA’s growing grassroots campaigns.

According to reports, ODM leaders, including Edwin Sifuna and Gladys Wanga, pushed for an understanding that UDA should reduce its political activities in ODM strongholds as part of the broad-based cooperation between the two parties.

However, UDA leaders strongly opposed the idea.

The ruling party, led by Secretary-General Hassan Omar, insisted that UDA has the right to field candidates and campaign in every part of the country, including areas seen as ODM strongholds.

Sources close to the meeting indicated that President Ruto did not take a clear public position on the zoning issue, choosing instead to maintain unity at the top level while allowing competition at the grassroots.

Despite the tension, the meeting ended with a show of unity.

The two parties agreed to form a Broad-Based Management Committee that will include senior party officials, selected Cabinet Secretaries and parliamentary leaders.

The committee will help coordinate government business and improve cooperation between the executive and Parliament.

The leaders also agreed to continue regular consultations to discuss key issues and possibly lay the ground for a formal coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.

The dispute comes at a time when political activities in Nyanza and other ODM strongholds are increasing, with both parties trying to strengthen their influence before the next election