Deputy President William Ruto with NASA flag bearer Raila Odinga. [Photo/samrack.com]
NASA flag bearer Raila Odinga has been shooting up in his popularity ratings in the Rift Valley region a perceived Jubilee stronghold an opinion poll has indicated.
The research conducted by Ipsos Synovate indicated that the former Prime Minister is gaining a foothold in a region that supported him in 2007.
The survey indicated that over the past five months Raila's support in Rift Valley rose from 20 percent to 32 percent, while Uhuru enjoyed a 63 percent rating.
According to political pundits the surprising support Raila is gaining from DP Ruto's backyard maybe due to the poor state of agriculture, food security, inflation, high cost of living and some unfulfilled promises.
“For me that 32 per cent for Raila, over and above what is happening, Uhuru gaining in the Coast and Western, appears to signal things to come.
Jubilee should watch out carefully,” Herman Manyora, a Nairobi University lecturer told the Star yesterday.
However, Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago dismissed the Ipsos findings.
“Those thinking Raila will get any votes here are in dreamland. We will ensure the entire Rift Valley votes almost to the last man for Kenyatta,” Mandago told the Star on Friday.
“From traveling across Bomet and the country, you see, hear and feel overwhelming support for Jubilee and President Kenyatta ... You don’t need any methodology to hear Jubilee’s positive impact on lives,” said Joyce Laboso.