Igathe Close To Dethroning Sakaja In New Poll

Agnes Kagure came third with 0.4 per cent, with 24 per cent of Nairobi residents undecided on who they will vote for.

Igathe Close To Dethroning Sakaja In New Poll
Side by side image of Senator Johnson Sakaja and Polycarp Igathe. /THE STAR

Former Nairobi Deputy Governor Polycarp Igathe's popularity as the gubernatorial candidate is now at 33 per cent, but he is closing in on Senator Johnson Sakaja, who leads with 39 per cent.

A report released by Infotrak on Wednesday, June 6 showed just how Igathe's popularity has been shooting up to the point of challenging the senator in one of the most brutal battles in the country ahead of the August 9 polls.

Agnes Kagure came third with 0.4 per cent, with 24 per cent of Nairobi residents undecided on who they will vote for.

A poll by Infotrak on Wednesday, July 6, 2022 showing Nairobi's most popular gubernatorial candidates. /INFOTRAK

In the presidential category, Deputy President William Ruto suffered an eight per cent drop in approval ratings and he stands at 30 per cent compared to 38 per cent in Nairobi county.

His Azimio competitor, Raila Odinga, however, saw his popularity ratings go up by seven per cent from the previous 42 per cent to now stand at 49 per cent.

George Wajackoyah clocked a five per cent popularity rating with the Roots Party presidential candidate gaining momentum across the city. Agano Party's David Waihiga recorded a 0.3 per cent popularity rate.

Respondents cited Raila's development track record and experience as factors in supporting him as he scored 70 per cent compared to Ruto's 45 per cent. Some of them however noted that they supported the second in command noting that he had good plans for the country, with Ruto scoring 41 per cent compared to Raila's 19 per cent.

52 per cent of the male gender supported Raila and his running mate, Martha Karua compared to females at 47 per cent. Ruto and his running mate Rigathi Gachagua received 30 per cent votes from the male gender as opposed to 29 per cent from the female gender.

Wajackoyah and his running mate, Justina Wamae were however preferred by four per cent of the male gender as opposed to six per cent of the female gender. 

In terms of parties, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) held its lead with 51 per cent compared to United Democratic Alliance (UDA)'s 31 per cent and Jubilee's eight per cent. The Azimio la Umoja coalition was supported by 48 per cent of the respondents compared to Kenya Kwanza's 31 per cent.

A poll by Infotrak on Wednesday, July 6, 2022 showing Nairobi's most popular presidential candidates. /INFOTRAK

Ruto Blamed For Kenya's Problems

The report continues to pile further woes on Ruto as he was listed as one of the causes of economic difficulties being experienced in the country.

He was named alongside climate change, bad governance, mismanagement of public resources and campaigns as the main reasons Kenyans are going through tough economic times. Also mentioned as the causes of hardships in Kenya included COVID-19 and the Russian - Ukraine war.

The report added that 73 per cent of Kenyans feel that the country was heading in the wrong direction. They cited unemployment, bad politics, increased insecurity, poverty and lack of cohesion in the country as their main reasons.

This is however in comparison to the 11 per cent who thought otherwise about the country's direction, citing peace in the country, positive effects of devolution and good infrastructure. Affordable cost of living, improved healthcare, a working executive, improved education, and that their preferred candidate was in power were also listed as reasons.

Access to clean water, poor sewage and sanitation systems, cost of doing business, access to healthcare, quality of education, youth and women empowerment and poverty reduction were blamed as reasons the country is headed in the wrong direction, among Nairobi residents.

Those who were in agreement with the 73 per cent came from Makadara, Embakasi South and Dagoretti North constituencies at 85, 81 and 80 per cent respectively while the minority were from Dagoretti South, Westlands and Embakasi Central. Those in Mathare and Embakasi West said it was going in neither direction.

The poll was carried out across a sample size of 1,024 Kenyans through Computer Assisted Telephone Interviews, with a focus on Kenyans aged 18 and above and covering all 85 wards as well as 17 constituencies in Nairobi County.

Deputy President William Ruto at Kasarani Stadium during the launch of the Kenya Kwanza manifesto on June 30, 2022. /TWITTER