A new survey by ISS-Africa shows that Deputy President William Ruto is the most preferred presidential candidate at 30.81%, followed by Orange Democratic Movement leader Raila Odinga at 27.50%.
Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko is third at 12.8%, with Amani leader Musalia Mudavadi and Kalonzo Musyoka coming at a distant fourth and fifth with 9.3% and 8.5% respectively.
“Raila Odinga and William Ruto are still holding their blocks tight with 66% and 65% in Nyanza and Rift Valley respectively,” Insights Strategists Solutions’ Peter Macharia said.
A total of 1,700 people were polled across the country for the survey that also found Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi as the most preferred presidential running mate at 22.4% followed closely by Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana at 18.3%.
Former Kiambu Governor William Kabogo is third most preferred running mate at 15.5%, while Murang’a Governor is at a distant fourth with 9.6%.
Across the regions, DP Ruto is leading in Nairobi (28%), Central (51%) and Rift Valley with 65%.
Odinga, on the other hand, is leading in Nyanza (66%) and Western (32%).
On his part, DP Ruto says he is ready to face any candidate whether in Jubilee or otherwise.
It is however not yet clear whether Odinga will run for presidency although a section of ODM leaders have been rooting for him.
A section of Members of Parliament from Central Kenya on Saturday asked those in the Opposition seeking to be endorsed for the presidency in 2022 by President Kenyatta to first join the ruling Jubilee Party.
They said every candidate will have to be exposed to the stiff competition that is informed by his or her ideas and development record, in what appeared to target NASA leader Raila Odinga.
