Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has overtaken Mathira Member of parliament Rigathi Gachagua as the most preferred running mate for Deputy President William Ruto from the Mt Kenya region.
According to the latest survey released by Tifa Research firm on Thursday, February 17, Waiguru's popularity in Mt Kenya region stands at 31 per cent with Gachagua trailing by nearly half, at 14 per cent.
On the list, Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro emerged as the third most popular and best perceived candidate to deputies Ruto in the August 9 General Election with 11 per cent with Narc leader Martha Karua closing the list with 10 per cent.
On the other hand, former Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth was placed as the most preferred running mate for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga in the Mt Kenya region.
Martha Karua who has not declared her bid to join Azimio la Umoja led by the former prime minister, emerged second followed by Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui and Laikipia Governor Muriithi Nderitu.
Nationwide, the survey placed Amani National Congress (ANC) party leader Musalia Mudavadi as the best perceived running mate for the second in command. Waiguru emerged second followed by Gachagua then Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
Kenneth stood out as the most popular candidate according to the poll to deputise Raila beating other lawmakers such as Kalonzo who received 18 per cent vote of the total number of people who took part in the survey.
Martha Karua and Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu also saw their popularity increase with each gaining 13 per cent and 5 per cent respectively.
Ruto still maintained the lead as the most preferred presidential candidate. The research showed that 38 per cent of Kenyans prefer the DP as their next president ahead of Raila who followed closely with 27 per cent national support.
"There was a steady decline in Odinga's rating between June 2020 and June 2021 (from 18% to 15%) but that has changed in the current survey that shows that Odinga's popularity has risen to 27%, the most recent increase being a reflection of the public launch of his candidacy on December 10, 2021," Tifa stated
On the popularity of political parties, United Democratic Alliance (UDA) steered by Ruto emerged as the most popular in five out of nine zones sampled by Tifa.
"Nealy three-quarters of those who are now supporting UDA (73%) have come from Jubilee in the last 18 months.
"But ODM has also suffered considerable attrition in this regard, a fact that helps to explain Ruto's continuing national lead over his main rival Raila Odinga," the pollster explained.
The poll however detailed that 20 per cent of Kenyans are still undecided who will emerge the winner in the August 9 Presidential election.
