A new opinion poll shows that Deputy President William Ruto has lost popularity in the Coastal, Northern and Nyanza regions, further denting his quest to make inroads before the upcoming August 9 polls.
The survey by Trends and Insights for Africa (TIFA) released on Thursday, May 5, indicated that DP Ruto's numbers in the Coastal region reduced from 34 percent to 26 percent between the period of February and April 2022.
On the other hand, the DP had a 2 percent drop in Nyanza from 23 percent to 21 percent while in the Northern region he shed 13 percent ( from 44 percent to 31 percent.)
"Support for DP Ruto again remains statistically unchanged since TIFA's last survey held in February, though this near-static overall figure obscures some changes in several zones," read part of the survey.
The DP, however, gained in his home turf of Central Rift by 9 percent ( from 61 percent to 70 percent), with another jump in Mt Kenya and Lower Eastern by 4 percent in each region.
The survey however indicated that the imminent choice of the running mate may affect the figures.
His rival, Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Alliance coalition flag-bearer, Raila Odinga, has gained popularity by 5 percent since TIFA's last survey in February 2022.
The former premier gained significantly in the Lower Eastern region (by 24 percent), in Nyanza (by 8 percent) as well as in Coast, Northern and Western which indicated a 6 percent increase in each.
His support, however, dwindled in Central Rift from 14 percent to 8 percent, shedding six points.
Overall, Ruto was perceived as the most popular candidate with 39 percent as opposed to Raila's 32 percent, with 16 per cent undecided voters.
The research, which reflects major issues related to the upcoming General Election, was conducted between April 22 to April 26, 2022.
