ODM and UDA are engaged in a fierce dispute over zoning political strongholds ahead of the 2027 elections. ODM leaders demand exclusive candidates in their areas, while UDA politicians reject limits on voter choice.
ODM leaders, including Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi and Homa Bay MP Peter Kaluma, have vowed that their party alone will field candidates in Nyanza and its other strongholds. Atandi stated at a church service in Muhoroni, "There is no debate here. Our agreement with UDA must include leaving our strongholds to us."
Kisumu Women Representative Ruth Odinga added that ODM deserves to protect its strongholds while fielding candidates everywhere. In Homa Bay, Kaluma said their goal is all seats from ODM.
UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar rejected this, saying, "ODM claims to be the stronger party and wants areas allocated. Let's meet at the ballot box." UDA aspirants in Kasipul, such as Festus Juma, Fredrick Abala, and Kasipul Magharibi MCA hopeful Ken Chiaga, pledged to compete without restrictions, claiming Homa Bay is no longer an ODM stronghold without Raila Odinga.
Juma stated, "Homa Bay is no longer an ODM stronghold and all politicians must be allowed to compete fairly and transparently." Abala noted the Constitution allows free competition, while Chiaga said it would enable residents to evaluate Governor Gladys Wanga's performance.
