Siaya Woman Representative Christine Ombaka has called for the formal implementation of “zoning” within the broad-based government framework to consolidate the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party’s strength ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on the final day of the national voter registration drive, Dr. Ombaka emphasized that while ODM is working closely with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), strategic geographic boundaries are essential to protect the party’s voting blocks.
Dr. Ombaka argued that zoning is a mechanical necessity to maintain political “strength” and prevent the fragmentation of support that could jeopardize a presidential candidate’s chances.
”When you zone, you put an area within a block of their strength. The strength is maintained and contained, so nobody disturbs that kind of vote,” Ombaka said. She warned that allowing multiple coalition parties to compete in dominant strongholds leads to “scuttling” votes, creating voter apathy, and dividing the electorate along narrow party lines.
The lawmaker, who spent the day mobilizing residents in Gem constituency, raised concerns over significant logistical barriers hindering wananchi from registering as voters. Chief among these is a persistent delay in the issuance of national identity cards from Nyayo House.
”The idea of having an ID is a big challenge to wananchi. That is why voter registration becomes very difficult,” she noted, adding that many who wish to register are stuck waiting for their primary identification documents.
While she praised the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) officials for their presence at all registration centers, she described the turnout as a “50/50 affair,” with high success in some areas and total silence in others.
Dr. Ombaka also relayed complaints from local chiefs regarding disorganized mobilization and a lack of clear information provided to the public. With the 2027 elections approaching, she called for an urgent “grace period” and an extension of the registration deadline to accommodate those still waiting for IDs.
”Power does not come by word of mouth; it comes by voter registration and by the IDs we are given,” Ombaka stated. “2027 is so close. Everything must be done at high speed for us to be ready”.
