Orange Democratic Movement leader Oburu Oginga has moved to calm growing speculation about a possible political arrangement with the United Democratic Alliance, saying no formal engagement has begun between the two parties.
Speaking in Kisumu on Friday after meeting religious leaders, Oginga said public discourse around a potential understanding between the two parties had moved ahead of actual developments, stressing that discussions remain at a preliminary stage.
He said there are no structures in place to guide any talks and no teams have been formed to initiate negotiations.
“We cannot stop what has not started. Our negotiations have not even begun, and we have not formed any negotiating teams,” he said.
The remarks come amid rising political debate over possible cooperation ahead of future elections, particularly on how major parties may manage competition in key regions.
Analysts and political observers have pointed to shifting alliances as discussions around strategy intensify, with zoning emerging as a central issue despite the absence of formal talks.
Zoning debate and party position
Zoning is a strategy often used in coalition politics where parties agree not to field candidates against each other in certain areas to avoid splitting votes.
Oginga acknowledged the concept but made it clear that it has not been adopted as policy within the party.
“There is absolutely nothing wrong with this thing called zoning, but let me be clear, there is no zoning now. It is just one of the issues that may be discussed,” he said.
He cautioned against treating the idea as a settled agreement, noting that any such arrangement would only arise through structured and mutually agreed negotiations.
At the same time, he emphasized the party’s readiness to defend its political strongholds, citing regions where it enjoys significant support.
These include Kisumu, Kakamega, Busia, Kilifi and parts of Nairobi, where he said the party would not уступ ground.
“We are not ready to cede the positions we already have. In those areas, we will defend our territory,” he said.
Oginga drew a distinction between cooperation and competition, explaining that the party would only consider limiting contests in areas where partnerships are formally agreed.
Outside such arrangements, he said, the party would remain fully competitive.
“What we are saying is that we do not want to compete with the people we are going into partnership with, but with all other parties, we will compete very fiercely,” he added.
He also reassured members that internal democracy will guide the party’s nomination processes, stating that all elective positions will be contested openly.
Incumbents, he said, should not assume automatic nominations, warning against complacency as the political season approaches.
The meeting with religious leaders in Kisumu, he added, offered encouragement as the party prepares for what he described as a complex and competitive political environment.
He maintained that the party remains open to dialogue but will stay firm in protecting its political interests and grassroots support.
