Odinga and Ruto [Photo: The Star]
Research firm – Ipsos says Azimio la Umoja presidential candidate Raila Odinga is leading in the state house race by 47 percent.
UDA’s presidential candidate Deputy President William Ruto comes in second at 41 per cent.
IPSOS Director for East and Horn of Africa Samuel Muthoka says Odinga has 18 counties where voter preference is above 55 percent, compared to Ruto who has 17 counties where voter preference is at 55 percent.
He says there are 11 counties that are the battleground and will determine who wins the August Presidential election.
“Raila Odinga stands out as the candidate who brings the legacy and better governance however, he’s perceived to be advanced in age. DP Ruto presents hope for a future however, his shortcoming is his perception of stained integrity,” said Muthoka.
Ipsos says Odinga has a stronghold in the urban areas compared to DP Ruto who has a stronghold in rural areas.
Males and older voters would vote for Raila Odinga, while females and the youth would vote for DP Ruto.
It further notes that Odinga is leading at the Coast, Nyanza North, Lower Eastern, and Southern Nyanza, while Ruto leads in Mount Kenya and Central Rift.
“51 percent of urbanites tell us that they will vote for Raila Odinga. In the rural areas, that is where William Ruto has a stronghold; 45 percent of those in the rural areas said they would vote for Ruto if elections were held today,” added Mr. Muthoka
On a different note, Ipsos says 54 percent of voters feel Odinga will win the election irrespective of who they will vote for.