Ugenya Member of Parliament David Ochieng warned the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) against political deals that will undermine democracy in Kenya.

Ochieng, the leader of the Movement for Democracy and Growth (MDG), said on Friday that whereas it was in order for ODM and UDA to engage in talks ahead of the 2027 general election, it will be foolhardy for the two to enter a deal that will result into political zoning where a political outfit will be restricted from fielding candidates in given areas.

He was speaking at the Sega Township primary school grounds in Ugenya constituency during the disbursement of bursary to 286 students joining national schools.

“I have seen UDA and ODM going into a very early marriage. That is their decision to make. Let them do what they are doing but let them not try to zone the country,” he said.

The legislator said whereas his party, MDG signed a coalition agreement with Kenya Kwanza government, it will not be party to any agreement between UDA and ODM.

“We will not accept any agreement between ODM and UDA that zones the party” he said adding that MDG will field candidates in all parts of the country.

Ochieng said political parties must not be allowed to cut deals that undermine competition and urged Kenyans to prioritise merit-based leadership, especially in the absence of former ODM leader – the late Raila Odinga, whom he said, fought for the common man.

Citing the past, the Ugenya legislator said that even during the one-party era under KANU, elections featured multiple candidates and warned that zoning would suppress voter turnout. He gave an example of the recent by-elections where constituencies without competition, such as Ugunja, recorded low voter turnout of only 24 per cent.

The MP reiterated MDG’s support for President William Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027 but stressed that the coalition must embrace open competition to produce competent leaders.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Philip Onyango