In a sensational political development that has the potential to significantly alter the 2027 presidential election, the results of a fresh Infotrak survey suggest that President William Ruto is the leading candidate in the decisive Mulembe Nation, surpassing other contenders, and thereby changing the campaign strategies in one of the most hotly contested areas of Kenya.
The figures revealed on Thursday indicate that Ruto’s re-election aspirations are becoming more evident even in areas where he was not traditionally strong.
Based on the survey, 25 percent of the people interviewed in the Mulembe area—a significant electoral region covering Western and some parts of Rift Valley—stated that they would vote for Ruto if the presidential election were held today.
This degree of support puts him in front of competitors like former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, who has 15 percent, and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, with 13 percent.
As the survey was being conducted, there was already a lot of speculation about political alliances and the strategy of the opposition, which is why it also shows that the leader of the Wiper Patriotic Front, Kalonzo Musyoka, is gaining 8 percent of the votes while Babu Owino, the Embakasi East MP, gets only 3 percent in that particular group.
The less-prominent candidates, such as Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, the former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, and the ex-Chief Justice David Maraga, managed to get just 2 percent or even less support from the respondents.
Moreover, the survey found that a considerable number of Mulembe voters, i.e., 25 percent, are still undecided, which suggests that the voter mood is still very much in a state of flux and there is a possibility of major shifts as the campaigns become hotter.
The analysts indicate that this undecided group may turn out to be the critical one, particularly if the opposition candidates manage to gather the support of the different parties around one common opponent to the sitting president.
Political strategists see it as a strategic victory that Ruto has burst out as the main character in a territory that has always been considered an opposition area.
The President’s campaign has heavily relied on direct involvement with local leaders and community groups in Western Kenya, which might have strengthened his image among voters who were used to other political parties.
The changing scenario also compels the opposition alliances to come up with easily understood strategies that can, at least partially, persuade the electorate to switch their allegiance from Ruto, especially among those who are promising stability, economic opportunity, and regional approval.
The Kenyan election cycle is becoming more intense, and, therefore, these polling results are likely to make their way to the campaign platforms and strategic planning sessions of both government and opposition.
Political strategists see it as a strategic victory that Ruto has burst out as the main character in a territory that has always been considered an opposition area.
The President’s campaign has heavily relied on direct involvement with local leaders and community groups in Western Kenya, which might have strengthened his image among voters who were used to other political parties.
The changing scenario also compels the opposition alliances to come up with easily understood strategies that can, at least partially, persuade the electorate to switch their allegiance from Ruto, especially among those who are promising stability, economic opportunity, and regional approval.
The Kenyan election cycle is becoming more intense, and, therefore, these polling results are likely to make their way to the campaign platforms and strategic planning sessions of both government and opposition.
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