UDA admits rift with ODM over zoning, sets talks to ease tension

 President William Ruto and ODM leader Oburu Oginga during the UDA-ODM joint Parliamentary Group meeting at KICC in Nairobi. [PCS]

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has acknowledged emerging tensions within its coalition with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), confirming that disagreements, chief among them zoning arrangements, exist and will now be subjected to structured talks between the two parties.

Speaking during a press briefing, UDA chairperson Cecily Mbarire said the coalition is grappling with unresolved differences but insisted both sides remain engaged in efforts to stabilise the partnership.

The zoning question, which revolves around informal expectations that coalition partners avoid competing in each other’s perceived strongholds, has emerged as the main fault line.

Mbarire said no binding agreement has been reached, and the matter is still under negotiation.

“The matter is now before the leadership of the two parties and discussions are to take place in due course. In any coalition, there are pre-election agreements that are supposed to be made and there is definitely agreement on how the partnership should work all the way to the elections,” she said, adding that leadership-level consultations will continue in the coming days.

She noted that until the issue is conclusively addressed, public claims and counterclaims should not be taken as official positions.

“In the coming days you are going to see a lot of cross-party engagements and conversations around these issues.

For now we treat whatever accusations that are there as people coming up with their own position,” she said.

The remarks mark a notable shift in tone, with UDA now openly admitting internal friction within the coalition, even as it maintains that the differences remain manageable through dialogue.

On its part, ODM leaders have signalled the party is prepared to contest all elective seats, from the presidency to ward level, regardless of any zoning agreements.

“We will retain all the seats that we have in the next election, and even add more,” said ODM deputy party leader Simba Arati.

“With or without zoning, we do not fear anyone,” added party secretary-general Catherine Omanyo.

UDA officials, however, maintained that no formal coalition position on zoning has been agreed upon, cautioning against treating individual political statements as binding commitments of either party.

The party also dismissed reports of additional internal disputes, including alleged ODM demands touching on its leadership structure, saying no official communication has been received through established channels and that such issues would only be addressed if formally tabled.

However, several ODM party members and officials have made statements suggesting the ejection of Hassan as UDA Secretary-General.

Homa Bay MP Peter Kaluma recently took to his socials expressing discomfort with Hassan holding that position, demanding his removal, accusing him of fuelling internal division and threatening stability of political cooperation between UDA and ODM.

‘‘Omar’s presence in senior party position could destabilise the ongoing political engagement between ODM and UDA,’’ Kaluma said.

Despite the tensions, UDA reiterated its commitment to the coalition framework, while underscoring its position as a national party with wide political reach.

Meanwhile, the party is set to conduct grassroots elections in 18 counties on 23rd, as part of its ongoing internal restructuring.

The exercise, Mbarire said, is aimed at strengthening organisational structures and consolidating support at the grassroots level.

The polls will take place in counties including Kisumu, Siaya, Migori, Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, Machakos, Kitui, Bungoma, and Turkana, among others, in what party officials describe as a key step in tightening its nationwide political machinery.