Bad News For Oburu, Gladys Wanga And Junet As Kindiki Issues This Statement

Blow to ODM as Kindiki Rejects Political Zoning, Backs Open Contests Under Broad-Based Alliance

MARALAL, Kenya — Top leaders of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM)—including Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, and MP Peter Kaluma—have suffered a major political setback following Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s firm rejection of political zoning.

For months, ODM stalwarts have advocated for exclusive electoral zoning in traditional party strongholds.

They argued that protecting their political backyard from affiliate party competition would safeguard ODM’s grassroots dominance and ensure stability within the ruling broad-based partnership.

However, speaking on Saturday during a high-profile tour at Allamano Ground in Maralal, Samburu County, Deputy President Kindiki dismissed the zoning demands.

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Kindiki clarified that while constituent parties within the broad-based government will remain united behind President William Ruto for the presidency, every other elective seat will be up for grabs through “friendly fights.”

“The broad-based framework focuses on national unity and supporting the President’s mandate. Outside the presidential election, constituent parties are free to field candidates across all positions—from Governors to MPs and MCAs,” Kindiki declared, advocating for open democratic competition.

Kindiki issued the statement during an event where former Samburu Woman Representative Maison Leshoomo formally defected from the Jubilee Party to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

The Deputy President’s stance poses a strategic headache for ODM’s campaign planners. Without guaranteed zoning, ODM candidates will face stiff competition from alliance partners in region-by-region contests, threatening to fragment its traditional power bases.

As coalition realignments gather momentum, Kindiki’s remarks make it clear: while unity remains intact at the national executive level, friendly opposition will dictate down-ballot battles across the country.

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