New Opinion Poll Places Raila Ahead of Ruto in the 2022 Presidential Race

A new opinion poll shows Kenya’s leading presidential candidates ODM leader Raila Odinga and Deputy President William Ruto are in a very tight race. 

The survey conducted by Infotrak Research and Consulting puts Odinga slightly ahead with 33 percent popularity against Ruto’s 32 percent. 

1,600 respondents were interviewed during the survey conducted between December 17th and 22nd.

Ruto, who scored 44 percent in a survey carried out during a similar period last year, lost 12 percent while Odinga gained 20 percent after posting 13 percent in 2020.

Infotrak CEO Angela Ambitho attributed Odinga’s improvement to his official declaration to run for president in next year’s election.

Raila trailed Ruto in four regions namely Central Kenya, Nairobi, Rift Valley, and Eastern while the former led in Nyanza, Coast, North Eastern, and Western.

At the same time, Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) was listed as the most popular party with 33 percent ahead of ODM (32 percent).

52 percent of the respondents want the One Kenya Alliance (OKA) dissolved and support either Raila or Ruto. Among those who want OKA dissolved, 55 percent want the OKA leaders to back Odinga’s 2022 presidential bid while 45 percent want them to support Ruto.

OKA principals include ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi, Wiper’s Kalonzo Musyoka, Kanu chairman Gideon Moi, and Ford Kenya leader Moses Wetang’ula.