New Poll: Ruto 6 Per Cent Closer To Beating Raila

Deputy President William Ruto now has a popularity of 37 per cent compared to Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition presidential candidate, Raila Odinga's 43 per cent, a difference of six per cent.

The poll released by Infotrak on Wednesday, July 13 revealed differing trends in popularity between the two heavyweights from the previous poll.

Ruto's popularity took a plunge by 1 per cent from the previous poll by the same firm. Raila's, in comparison, recorded a one per cent increase to 43 per cent from 42 per cent in the previous poll.

A poll by Infotrak on Wednesday, July 13, 2022, showing the most popular presidential candidates. /INFOTRAK

"Raila has not gained much since we did our last poll in June. His popularity has increased by one per cent and Ruto's has gone down by one per cent from 38 per cent last time," Infotrak CEO Angela Ambitho said.

"Raila's popularity means that he has 9.4 million votes while Dr Ruto has 8.1 million votes if the election were to be done now. DP Ruto on the other hand has lost about 300,000 votes from the 8.4 million he had in the last poll," she added.

George Wajackoyah of the Roots party was third with 4 per cent while Agano Party presidential candidate David Mwaure Waihiga has 0.1 per cent.

16 per cent of voters remained undecided if the elections were to be held today. 

Raila led in six out of nine regions including Coast (49 per cent), Northern (52 per cent), Nyanza (73 per cent), Western (46 per cent) and Nairobi (49 per cent).

Ruto, on the other hand, led in Mount Kenya (55 per cent), North (58 per cent) and South Rift (54 per cent) regions. 

Ruto Unpopular In Nairobi

Infotrak's poll on Wednesday, July 6 showed Ruto suffering an eight per cent drop in approval ratings and he stood 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 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.

Raila Odinga waving to the crowd during a rally in Kirinyaga County on July 7, 2022. /RAILA ODINGA

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.