The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has listed zoning of traditional bases and creation of a ‘Summit’ that would make key decisions, including Cabinet appointments, as conditions for its pre-election coalition arrangement with President William Ruto.

The outfit founded by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga said it expects a coalition agreement that recognises ODM as an equal partner, not a junior affiliate in the arrangement.

In a wide ranging interview with the Nation, ODM national chairperson Gladys Wanga said part of the party’s irreducible minimums include a clear zoning formula that guarantees the party a fair number of seats in its strongholds.

“ODM would demand a written coalition agreement that clearly outlines the terms, policies, and governance structure, deposited with the Registrar of Political Parties.”

“We will also seek the establishment of a formal high-level coalition consultative forum to make key decisions – including cabinet appointments, budget priorities, and legislative agenda – rather than unilaterally by the President's party,” said Governor Wanga.

ODM, through its interim party leader Oburu Oginga, has already laid claim to the Deputy President slot, in a pronouncement that has since triggered a major political storm, with DP Kithure Kindiki shrugging off the demand.

ODM party leaders at Sameta grounds in Kisii County during the 'Linda Ground' event on January 25, 2026.

Photo credit: Ruth Mbula | Nation Media Group

President Ruto has also, in the recent past, talked of a friendly fire between ODM and UDA in the 2027 elections, suggesting that his party may not agree to the zoning demand.

The county boss also spoke extensively about the party’s special National Delegates Convention (NDC) scheduled for Friday, explaining that the party is prepared for any decision by the Political Party Dispute Tribunal (PPDT).

The tribunal is set to make a ruling on whether or not the party should proceed with the convention on the eve of the jamboree. Governor Wanga says the party will comply with the court decision.

She described the convention as crucial as it would offer strategic direction on the planned coalition talks with UDA as well as to firm up the leadership structure. The main agenda of the meeting is the confirmation of the interim officials, who include Dr Oginga (party leader), Governor Wanga (chairperson), his three deputies, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi and Governors Simba Arati (Kisii).

Other interim officials include Otiende Amollo (Vice chairperson), John Ariko (Vice Chairperson), Ahmed Mohammed (National Organising Secretary), Ruth Odinga (Deputy Organising Secretary) and Rozaah Buyu (Secretary for Political Affairs).

WhatsApp Image 2026-02-21 at 19.17.47 — ODM Leader Oburu Oginga at Linda Ground in Siaya County.

Photo credit: Pool

Excerpts from the interview.

How prepared are you for the NDC?

Based on the notice issued, the required formal steps for convening a Special NDC have been initiated. The notice specified the date and the agenda. We have since identified and secured the venue. The party has also prepared and cross-checked the list of our delegates, in line with the ODM constitution.

Why a Special NDC when there is plan for an ordinary convention?

The party seeks to achieve two specific constitutional objectives that cannot wait for the ordinary NDC, which is a broader policy and elections convention. The party seeks to confirm the leadership structure to solidify the current leadership ahead of the 2027 elections. The ODM constitution allows the National Governing Council (NGC) to make certain decisions, which have to be ratified by the NDC.

We also seek to have the delegates formally endorse the decision to enter into or solidify a pre-election coalition agreement. This is a critical strategic move that requires the legitimacy of the convention. The Ordinary NDC is for broader functions like electing officials, reviewing the constitution, and nominating the presidential candidate. This Special NDC is therefore focused on strategic consolidation and legalising key party decisions ahead of the ordinary convention.

There are petitions challenging this NDC. What happens if Political Parties Tribunal stops the convention?

As a party, we are prepared for any outcome. In the event the ruling is in our favour, the convention will proceed as planned. In the unlikely event that the court issues orders declaring the NDC invalid for whatever reason, the party would reconvene the NEC to issue a fresh notice, ensuring compliance.

Your view on Linda Mwananchi’s plan for a parallel NDC?

The concept of a "parallel NDC" has no basis in the ODM Constitution. The constitution establishes a clear hierarchy of organs, with the National Delegates Convention as the supreme organ. Any meeting held outside this framework, without the authority of the NEC, is not a legitimate party organ and cannot make binding decisions. I can tell you that a parallel meeting does not affect any decisions made by the legitimate party organs. That is an illegitimate gathering of dissenting members.

Some of them were in the forefront in pushing the party leader to convene an NDC? Why are they against it now?

Oburu Oginga and Gladys Wanga — ODM party leader Oburu Oginga and party chair Gladys Wanga.

Photo credit: Pool

What changed is that they did not get their way. They agitated for an NDC, hoping to use it to settle personal scores, challenge the party leadership, and its decisions. When the party’s constitutional organs insisted on a structured agenda, they realised that they would not control the outcome. Their sudden opposition exposes their real motive: not the good of ODM, but their own political ambitions. The party will not be distracted by such theatrics. ODM remains united under its leadership, and any member who chooses to operate outside the party constitution forfeits their right to speak for the party. The official NDC is the only lawful convention recognised in law.

Some ODM members have complained of encroachment and poaching by President Ruto’s UDA. What is the position of the party on this?

Political parties are generally aware of cross-party conversations, which are a normal part of coalition building and political realignment. However, systematic poaching of members from a coalition partner would undermine the coalition talks. It is standard practice for ODM to raise such concerns at the highest level. ODM expects to retain its members and structures as a partner, not a subsidiary.

Do you still demand for zoning?

Homa Bay governor Gladys Wanga addresses a rally at Kamukunji grounds in Kibera, Nairobi, on January 14, 2026.

Photo credit: Dennis Onsongo | Nation Media Group

Zoning remains a key strategy for the party, especially as we prepare for coalition negotiations. It is a political tool used to manage seat distribution among coalition partners or to balance internal interests. As ODM, we have consistently advocated for structured negotiations that protect our strongholds while ensuring equitable representation in any coalition arrangement.

Some of your members are opposed to zoning over fears of bungled nominations in ODM?

The ODM Constitution provides a framework for nominations. The party is committed to winning trust by demonstrating a clear break from past practices. Some of the plans we have in place include strengthening of the National Elections Coordinating Committee by ensuring it is independent, impartial and professional.

We also plan to use a verifiable, digital party register for the voter roll and ensure transparent vote counting. We will also put in place a credible and fast Dispute Resolution mechanism, where grievances are heard and determined before nominations are finalised. If zoning is used, it must be seen as a broad, transparent agreement between coalition partners, not a top-down imposition that overrides the will of members in specific areas.

You have been mentioned as a potential running mate for President Ruto. Is it something you would consider?

President William Ruto, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga (left), MPs Boyd Were, Peter Opondo Kaluma (second right) and Junet Mohamed after an interdenominational church service at Agoro Sare High School in Homa Bay County on March 22, 2026.

Photo credit: PCS

Under the party’s constitution, the process for selecting a presidential candidate and, by extension, a running mate is governed by clear institutional procedures. Any discussion about a running mate would therefore flow from coalition negotiations and would ultimately be a matter for the NDC to ratify.

What would be your irreducible minimums in talks with UDA?

While the ODM constitution allows for coalitions, the party's demands would include a clear commitment to implement key ODM manifesto pillars, such as strengthening devolution and ensuring equitable distribution of resources, a concrete agenda for economic justice, job creation, and addressing the cost of living and a firm stance on fighting corruption without political interference. We also expect a coalition agreement that recognises ODM as an equal partner, not a junior affiliate. This includes a clear zoning formula that guarantees ODM a fair and respectable number of seats where it has strong support, and a commitment to free and fair nominations.

ODM would also demand for a written coalition agreement that clearly outlines the terms, policies, and governance structure, deposited with the Registrar of Political Parties. This agreement must have a clear dispute resolution mechanism to prevent conflicts during the coalition's term. We will also seek the establishment of a formal high-level coalition consultative forum to make key decisions – including cabinet appointments, budget priorities, and legislative agenda – rather than unilaterally by the President's party.

Read also: 2027 polls: United Democratic Alliance rules out zoning push by ODM

Zoning dilemma for Ruto, Oburu in coalition talks

ODM top officials in stormy meeting over support for Ruto

Why ODM is at crossroads as five issues emerge on talks with Ruto camp

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mnyamori@ke.nationmedia.com