Raila's AU Chair Bid Backed By Nairobi, Rift Valley Residents- Infotrak

Azimio la Umoja leader, Raila Odinga's bid for the position of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) has received significant support across the country, but moreso in Nairobi and Rift Valley regions, the latter considered one of his weakest political strongholds in recent years.

According to a poll released by Infotrak Research and Consulting on Thursday, April 11, 88 per cent of Nairobi residents believe the former Prime Minister is the best pick for the continental position. Only 7 per cent were against it with 5 per cent unsure.

In the Rift Valley region, 85 per cent of residents want Raila to be the man to succeed Moussa Faki in the upcoming elections at the next AU summit in 2025. 13 per cent were however against the bid.

Raila also received backing from the Central region, a vote-rich region that has constantly worked against him anytime he contested a presidential election, including in 2022 when he lost to President William Ruto.

78 per cent of residents supported Raila's AUC bid while 17 per cent opposed it. 5 per cent were unsure.

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader however received the least support in North Eastern, with 64 per cent of residents supporting his bid, 23 per cent opposing it and 13 per cent unsure.

By gender, Raila's support was highest amongst the female with 84 per cent support compared to male support of 79 per cent. 

In terms of age, the youth seem to have the highest support for Raila's continental bid, with the 27-35 age group having 84% support followed by 36-45 with 82% support. However, the least support was among the 18-26 age group with 75%.

In total, 81 per cent of Kenyans supported Raila's AUC bid, with the former Premier reiterating that should he clinch the post, he would continue with his fight for social justice in Kenya.

However, 16 per cent opposed Raila's bid with 3 per cent uncertain.

This comes a day after Raila's AUC bid was complicated further following the entry of Djibouti's Foreign Minister Mahmoud Youssouf, who joins Somali’s former deputy prime minister and current member of the federal parliament Fawzia Yusuf in the race to have Eastern Africa produce the next chairperson.

How Was The Infotrak Survey Done?

The survey was conducted from March 8 to 9, 2024, with a sampling frame designed using Population Proportionate to Size (PPS) guided by the 2019 Census. It covered all the 47 counties and 8 regions of Kenya.

To ensure national representativeness, the distribution of the survey sample across the regions was proportionately allocated; it had a 3.099 per cent at 95 per cent degree of confidence.

Bird's eye view of the African Union headquarters. /QUARTZ