Mizani rank Raila’s popularity 2.4 per cent ahead of Ruto

A just-concluded survey by Mizani Africa has rated Azimio-One Kenya coalition Presidential candidate Raila Odinga as the most popular candidate.

Odinga leads in the poll as Kenya Kwanza’s presidential candidate Deputy President William Ruto comes in second with a 2.4 per cent gap.

Odinga’s popularity stands at 47.5 per cent, while Ruto’s is ta 45.1 per cent.

The same pollster had rated Odinga at 45.1 percent in February while Ruto stood at 46.6 percent.

The survey shows that Ruto’s popularity has been dwindling while Odinga’s has been on an upward trajectory.

“The survey was conducted between May 24, 2022 – June 4 with a sample size of 4, 245 across all the 47 counties,” the pollster said.

According to the poll, Odinga leads in (77.8 percent), Nairobi (53.6 perecent), North Eastern (51.1 percent), Lower Eastern (68.1 percent), Coast (56.2 percent) and Western (61.4 percent).

Ruto, on the other, has significant support from the Mt. Kenya region (67.2 percent) and Rift Valley with a rating of 64.6 percent.

Kenya Kwanza Alliance bagged the honor of being the most preferred political outfit with a rating of 48.5 percent while Azimio came in second with a rating of 47.8 percent.

The survey comes barely days after another pollster by Infotrak placed the popularity of Odinga slightly ahead of Rutos.

The Infotrak study attributed results to the running mate factor considering the choices made by both Odinga and Ruto ahead of the August elections.

The survey showed   Raila had gained more popularity after picking Martha Karua as his running mate. In contrast, Ruto’s presidential ambition had seen a rocky reception after picking Rigathi Gachagua as his second in command.

The Kenya Kwanza Alliance has since dismissed both polls noting that there are inconsequential.