A day in politics is a long time and with more than a year to go to the 2017 polls, it is still too early to dismiss political underdogs.
In Kiambu for instance, the latest survey by Trends and Insights for Africa (Tifa) Research Limited show that Kiambu residents prefer Kabete MP Ferdinand Waititu over incumbent Governor William Kabogo.
The poll shows that 49% of the votes would go to Waititu while Kabogo would garner 22%.
In the results released on Monday August 8, 18% of Kiambu residents are undecided on whom to vote for.
In 2013, James Nyoro was Kabogo’s strongest competitor but this time round, according to the polls, he’d get only 8% of the votes.
Tifa conducted the study from July 28 to 31 this year. 620 who are registered voters were interviewed.
“Ferdinand Waititu is a new contender for this seat yet he has a strong lead. Regardless of this lead, William Kabogo will fight to the end to retain his seat and the results could tilt,” said Tifa director Maggie Ireri as quoted by Tuko.
She said the race will be between bitter rivals Waititu and Kabogo.
The poll shows that Waititu has a stronger support base among those between 18-30 years at 44% compared to Kabogo who has 25% in the same bracket.
According to the poll, incumbent senator Kimani Wamatangi has the highest support at 44% while his closest competitor Stanley Githunguri has only 3% and George Nyanja 2%.
Most residents (46%) are undecided on whom to vote for as their senator.
The study indicates that Ann Nyokabi Gathecha has 28% support while 62% of voters are undecided on whom to vote for as their women representative.
36% of those interviewed feel that the county government is heading in the right direction while 34% are of a different opinion. 26 percent are neutral.