A new poll released by Mizani Africa on Friday, June 10, has indicated ODM leader Raila Odinga is leading in the presidential race while his main rival, Deputy President William Ruto is in second place.
According to the poll, Raila has a 47.5 percent popularity rating, while Ruto has a 46.6 percent rating.
According to the research firm, the data shows an upward trend for Raila and a downward trend for Ruto, who had previously topped various opinion polls.
The pollster further indicates that Raila boasts of support in six out of the eight regions namely; Coast, North Eastern, Nairobi, Nyanza, Western, and Eastern.
Ruto’s major support comes from the Central Kenya and Rift Valley regions; however, neither candidate has reached the 50+1 constitutional threshold that would secure a presidential victory.
According to the survey, Raila has maintained his traditional support bases, despite Ruto’s attempts to change the trend in his (Ruto’s) favour.
For example, the deputy president recently camped in the Coast, North Eastern, and Western Kenya regions in an attempt to counter Raila’s influence.
However, Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza Alliance remains the most popular political party in Kenya, with 48.5 percent support, followed by Raila’s Azimio La Umoja One Kenya with 47.8 percent.
The findings have been influenced by recent major events in national politics, such as presidential candidates nominating their running mates in May ahead of the August 9 general election.
Raila and Ruto are perceived as frontrunners in the presidential race that has attracted four candidates including lawyers David Mwaure of Agano party and George Wajackoyah of Roots party.
