Speaking during an interview on political analyst Herman Manyora’s YouTube podcast aired on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, the outspoken legislator argued that zoning can only work effectively in regions where a political party already enjoys overwhelming popularity and voter confidence.
According to Ojienda, a strong political party should be able to field any candidate in an election without fear of losing because the party itself commands trust and support from the electorate.
He explained that zoning politics should not be treated as a priority within ODM at a time when the party still needs to consolidate its national influence and attract credible leaders capable of winning competitive elections.
“Zoning means that whatever candidate you field from ODM in a region, you have no fear that candidate will win,” Ojienda stated during the interview.
The senator maintained that ODM’s focus should instead be directed toward building a strong and credible political movement that appeals to both voters and influential aspirants across the country.
“For me, zoning is not an issue. The only fear should be building a strong and credible party that attracts strong candidates, not zoning,” he added.
Ojienda further argued that competitive party nominations are healthy for democracy because they allow voters and party members to select the strongest candidates through transparent processes.
He noted that limiting competition through zoning arrangements could discourage talented aspirants and weaken the party internally, especially in areas where ODM faces stiff competition from rival political formations.
The senator insisted that strong candidates should be allowed to battle fairly for party tickets, while weaker politicians would naturally seek opportunities in smaller parties where their chances of success may be higher.
According to him, zoning in a weak political party would be meaningless if rival parties fielded more popular or influential candidates capable of defeating ODM nominees during the General Election.
“Zoning without strength is an act in a vacuum,” Ojienda said.
His remarks come at a time when internal debates within ODM over succession politics, regional balance and candidate selection continue to intensify ahead of the 2027 polls.
The discussion on zoning has increasingly become a sensitive issue within several political parties as leaders seek to balance regional interests while maintaining party unity and electoral competitiveness.
Ojienda also warned ODM against conducting what he described as sham nominations or issuing direct tickets to preferred candidates, arguing that such practices could politically damage the party.
The senator claimed that denying grassroots-supported aspirants a fair opportunity during nominations has in the past negatively affected ODM leader Raila Odinga by discouraging voter turnout in key regions.
According to Ojienda, when popular local candidates are unfairly locked out of the ballot, supporters may lose morale and choose not to participate in elections altogether.
“When a candidate loved by the people is not on the ballot, supporters may choose not to vote at all,” he said.
He further cautioned that disappointed supporters could shift allegiance to rival parties or boycott elections entirely, a move he warned could also affect presidential vote totals.
In recent months, Ojienda has emerged as one of the leading voices within ODM advocating for transparent nominations, internal democracy and fairness as competition for influential elective positions continues to grow ahead of the next General Election.
