Africa-Press – Kenya. The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has issued a stern warning to members of its broad-based partner, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), amid rising tensions over zoning disagreements.
Speaking after a Central Committee meeting held on Thursday, April 16, acting ODM Secretary General Catherine Omanyo expressed concern over what she described as ‘unwarranted utterances’ from certain UDA leaders.
She noted that such statements risk creating anxiety and unrest among ODM supporters at a time when cooperation between the two parties is under close watch.
“On our relationship with our broad-based partners, UDA, the central committee notes with concern the unwarranted utterances by some senior officials of the UDA party,” she noted.
“The utterances are aimed at causing anxiety and disquiet among our members. As a party that believes in its principles and ideals, we demand respect from the UDA party,” Omanyo added.
Her comments come against the backdrop of fresh political tension between the two major parties over proposals for electoral zoning ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Led by Homa Bay Governor Gladsys Wanga, a section of ODM members is pushing for zoning, a move that prevents other parties, including UDA, from fielding candidates in ODM strongholds.
Wanga, who recently addressed a rally in Homa Bay, described the move as a non-negotiable condition for any negotiations with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
However, these claims have been strongly dismissed by UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar, who asserted that every party has a right to field a candidate in any part of the country.
Besides politics, Omanyo also addressed concerns surrounding the recent increase in fuel prices that have sparked widespread uproar among many Kenyans.
The ODM Secretary General acknowledged that the increase is part of the global challenge but urged the government to intensify efforts to shield Kenyans from its impact.
“Kenyans are concerned about fuel prices. We know this is a global problem, while noting the government’s efforts in mitigating the situation, we continue to push it to do more to cushion the effects of the crisis,” she said.
