By Alex Ndegwa

Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s popularity has surged, widening his lead over rivals in the presidential race if elections were held today, says a new opinion poll. With 41 per cent of registered voters indicating they would vote for the ODM leader, Raila would secure a resounding win over his closest challenger Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka who would garner 13 per cent of the vote. The surge in the PM’s popularity ratings could be attributed to his steadfast support for the Proposed Constitution, which seems to enjoy the backing of majority of voters.

Twelve per cent of the respondents said they would vote for President Kibaki, even though he is not eligible for re-election at the next General Election. Higher Education Minister William Ruto, who is pressing for the rejection of the Proposed Constitution in the referendum vote, would garner nine per cent of the presidential vote. Narc-Kenya leader Martha Karua follows with seven while Finance Minister Uhuru Kenyatta would get three per cent of the vote. Wield Influence Saboti MP Eugene Wamalwa and Water Minister Charity Ngilu had the support of one per cent each. In March another survey by the pollster indicated Raila would have gotten 36 per cent of the overall vote, an improvement on December when he led with 28 per cent. The PM appears to wield more influence on the draft among his supporters compared to rivals. An overwhelming majority of Raila’s supporters (74 per cent) indicated they approved the draft.

Ruto also commands significant influence with 68 per cent of his supporters indicating they would vote against the Proposed Constitution. Fifty seven per cent of the President’s supporter’s approve the draft, showing he needs to rally more of his followers behind the document. Less than half of Kalonzo’s supporters (44 per cent) indicated they would vote ‘Yes’, with an even higher combined majority (48) indicating they would either reject the draft or were undecided. ODM is still the most popular party with 46 per cent while PNU enjoys the support of 24 per cent of the registered voters. ODM-Kenya is the third most popular party with nine, followed by Narc-Kenya (four), Ngilu’s Narc (two) and Kanu one. The draft enjoys much more support (65 per cent) among ODM supporters compared to 55 among PNU supporters.

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— Mheshimiwa… wrote:

From: Mheshimiwa…
Subject: Re: KINGARA STOP MISINFORMING

Kipsang:

You don’t seem to make any sense in your write ups – – all the time you talk about RV and Raila not getting votes from RV. Is it that your thinking is limited to this area only?

1.Don’t you ever realise that Kenya is bigger than RV?
2.Does it ever occur to you that RV is a cosmopolitan society?
3.Does it ever occur to you that Kibaki become president in 2002 without Kalenjin votes in?
4.Do you ever realise that Raila is gaining people confidence all over Kenya while Ruto is losing it in RV?
5.Do you ever realise that Papa Likondi has facts than you in matters political much as we assume you are informed than him?

—
Mheshimiwa–Josh..
P.O Box 33506-00600,
Nairobi.
Mobile:0725-844589