The Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya presidential candidate Raila Odinga has abandoned plans to zone the country after a section of the coalition’s affiliate parties protested the move.

Raila made the decision after meeting with Azimio affiliate party leaders at his campaign headquarters in Lavington, Nairobi on Thursday.

Speaking after the meeting, Raila’s presidential campaigns spokesperson Makau Mutua said the meeting resolved that there will be no zoning of the country for any party.

Makau said the discussions held during the meeting also encompassed inclusivity, equity and consultation.

“There will be no zoning of the country for any political party. The talks touched on inclusivity, equity and consultation, all aimed at guiding and anchoring our coalition party ahead of the August elections,” Makau said.

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Makau also said the meeting was held to foster the interest of Azimio la Umoja and clarity several issues.

According to the eight small affiliate parties that disputed the move, zoning would have resulted in their suffering while the three major parties namely Jubilee, ODM and Wiper party enjoy.

They also said their candidates had already registered to vie for different seats in the August elections.

The ODM leader also agreed on consultations when it comes to picking his running mate. They also agreed to apply the use of analysis and evidence to choose the appropriate running mate.

Previously, there was a general assumption that his running mate would automatically come from the Mount Kenya region or be Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.

The smaller parties had threatened to raise a cloud of dust if their concerns were not addressed as they signed a joint caucus dubbed Mwanzo Mpya on Wednesday.

These parties comprise the Maendeleo Democratic Party, Narc, Kenya Reform Party, People’s Trust Party, Democratic Action Party of Kenya, Chama Cha Uzalendo, MMC and Muungano.

The meeting also resolved to expand the top organ of Azimio, the Coalition Council to eleven members. However, the coalition party organs shall not include party caucuses and alliances.