Speaking at a press conference, the youthful leaders said zoning weakens democracy by denying voters a real choice and blocking opportunities for young people, women, and newcomers to politics.
They argued that zoning often leads to direct nominations that favor well‑connected individuals rather than candidates with genuine grassroots support.
“We have all seen the negative impacts of zoning, where young leaders’ ambitions are eroded because parties favor individuals with personal connections and hand them direct tickets, then expect people to vote without choice,” the group said.
They added that leaders who are confident in their popularity should not fear competition, warning that zoning could damage both current and future political opportunities across Kenya.
Youth Challenge Zoning and Status Quo Politics
One Gen Z aspirant warned that zoning risks locking out young leaders, women, and first‑time aspirants who bring fresh ideas and new hope into the political space, particularly in areas dominated by major political parties.
They said the practice protects the same leaders year after year while denying the country the chance for political renewal.
“If leaders are truly strong in their areas, they should not fear open competition,” the group noted in a statement, stressing that democracy must be protected by allowing inclusive political participation across the country.
The group appealed directly to President William Ruto and ODM Deputy Party Leader Oburu Odinga to reconsider zoning arrangements.
They said the practice disadvantages young aspirants by favoring incumbents and wealthy politicians who already have access to money, party networks, and influence.
“We urge them to uphold the multiparty system our forefathers fought for, ensuring fair competition and equal opportunity across Kenya,” one Gen Z aspirant said.
Call to Protect Multiparty Politics
The aspirants concluded their remarks with a call to safeguard Kenya’s democratic progress under the slogan “Protect Multiparty Gains and Political Freedom.”
Speaking on behalf of the group, Tobias Osano said Kenya has made major strides toward building a strong multiparty democracy and warned against introducing new barriers that limit political participation.
“No aspirant should be hindered from choosing a party that best represents the people on the ground, or be prohibited from participating freely,” Osano said, adding that open competition is essential to sustaining democratic growth.
The Gen Z leaders said they will continue pushing for political reforms that promote inclusivity, transparency, and voter choice, insisting that the future of Kenya’s democracy depends on letting the people, not party elites, decide who leads them.
Zoning Debate Sparks Debate in ODM
The remarks come amid renewed debate over zoning following comments by senior ODM leaders, including Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, who have defended the practice as a strategy for winning elections and governing effectively after the polls.
In a social media post, Kaluma described zoning as “common sense” and argued that parties must adopt a clear approach, stating:
“We either do zoning and field a single candidate for all seats, from President to MCA, or do it for no seats and allow all parties to field candidates for all seats, from President and Governors to MPs and MCAs.”
The Gen Z aspirants, however, said such arguments risk weakening democratic principles by replacing the will of voters with decisions made by party elites.
They warned that zoning entrenches the status quo while shutting out emerging leaders under the cover of party strategy.
They maintained that true democracy can only thrive when voters are given real choices and when all aspirants are allowed to compete freely, regardless of age, wealth, or political connections.
Source: The Kenya Times
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