MP Kawaya: Ruto well placed for re-election

President William Ruto's pointman in Ukambani and Mwala MP Vincent Musyoka Kawaya says it will be difficult to defeat the Head of State in the 2027 General Elections.

Mwala cited recent opinion polls as evidence of the growing support for the Head of State.

Kawaya noted that latest findings by pollster Infotrak placed Ruto ahead with a 32 per cent approval rating, followed by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka at 13 per cent.

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and former Interior Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi tied at 12 per cent.

Kawaya used the opportunity to rally the people of Ukambani to support the government, saying it was only prudent to align themselves with what he described as the winning team rather than back the opposition, which he claimed was headed for defeat.

The UDA National Organising Secretary was speaking in Zombe Town during a thanksgiving ceremony hosted by Kitui East MP Nimrod Mbai.

He cited the recent public spat between DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua and former Interior Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi over the selection of the opposition's presidential flag bearer, stating that the opposition was on the brink of disintegration barely a year before the General Election.

Kawaya further claimed that Ruto's popularity in Ukambani had grown significantly, nearly matching that of Kalonzo.

He attributed the shift to ongoing development projects and the Kenya Kwanza administration's sustained engagement with the region.

He also alleged that since Gachagua's impeachment, Ukambani had received more development, claiming the former Deputy President had been an impediment to equitable distribution of projects in the region.

Kitui South MP Rachel Nyamai and her Mwingi West counterpart, Charles Nguna, echoed his sentiments.

Findings of the Infotrak survey showed Gachagua trailed the leading pack with four per cent support, while Siaya Governor James Orengo’s ally with Embakasi East MP Babu Owino attracting three percent backing.

Former Cabinet Secretary David Maraga polled two per cent, while Martha Karua secured one per cent support.

The survey also revealed a sizeable bloc of undecided voters, with 18 percent of respondents yet to settle on a preferred presidential candidate, suggesting the political landscape remains fluid with more than a year to the next election cycle gaining momentum.

Three percent of respondents declined to disclose their preferred candidate.