KISII, Kenya – Kisii Governor Simba Arati has for the second consecutive day told President William Ruto that the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) should not seek to establish itself in Nyanza, insisting that the region remains an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) stronghold.
Speaking during Ruto’s second day of his tour of Nyanza, Arati warned that the political rivalry between the two parties within the broad-based government was hurting ODM.
“Even the friendly fire inaumiza. Hapa Nyanza ni ODM, hatutaki mchanganyiko, chama ni ODM!”
Arati’s remarks were directed at Ruto as the two parties continue navigating their political partnership ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Arati confronts UDA supporters
The governor had issued a similar message a day earlier when he confronted supporters wearing UDA-branded caps.
Arati asked them to remove the caps, arguing that Nyanza was an ODM zone and that UDA should not seek to establish a foothold in the region.
His latest comments underline growing differences within the broad-based arrangement over the extent to which UDA should operate politically in areas traditionally controlled by ODM.
ODM pushes for zoning deal
The remarks come amid ongoing discussions over a proposed zoning arrangement between ODM and UDA ahead of the 2027 polls.
ODM has been pushing for political zoning in areas where it has traditionally enjoyed strong support, arguing that UDA should avoid fielding candidates in its established strongholds.
The party has particularly maintained that Nyanza should remain an ODM zone, with some leaders warning that political negotiations between the two parties could be jeopardised if there is no agreement on zoning.
Zoning proposal faces opposition within ODM
The push for zoning has, however, faced criticism from some ODM-linked figures.
Pauline Odinga, sister of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and a parliamentary aspirant in Nyali, recently questioned the argument that Nyanza was formally designated an ODM zone during Raila’s political career.
Pauline instead blamed the current ODM leadership for allowing Ruto to make political inroads into the region.
Pauline targets Wanga’s leadership
Pauline particularly criticised leaders associated with Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, arguing that they had given Ruto too much room to establish himself in ODM’s traditional stronghold.
She warned that Ruto should not be underestimated politically, arguing that giving him an opening could allow him to expand his influence further.
The competing positions reflect the growing debate within ODM over how to manage Ruto’s expanding political presence in Nyanza while maintaining the party’s traditional support base.
With the 2027 election approaching, the question of whether ODM and UDA can agree on political zoning is likely to remain a key issue in their evolving broad-based partnership.
