Jubilee’s vote rich region of Rift Valley has ostensibly begun to tilt in favour of NASA’s Principal Raila Odinga.
In the latest poll done by Ipsos Synovate, during the last five months, Raila’s popularity in Rift Valley has grown by 12 per cent.
It has risen from 20 to 32 per cent; a thing that pundits say should worry President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto.
Rift Valley is Deputy President William Ruto’s stronghold.
The rise of Raila’s popularity could be attributed to the entry of Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto of Chama Cha Mashinani (CCM) into the NASA coalition.
He says he moved to NASA due to disillusionment for the Kalenjin nation by Jubilee administration.
The CCM boss has severally accused Jubilee regime of playing lip service with the community which voted overwhelmingly for Jubilee in 2013.
He promised to deliver NASA 1.5 million votes from the Rift region.
But, Jubilee lieutenants have come out in strong opposition of the Ipsos poll saying that it does not reflect the reality on the ground.
“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,” said Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago.
Jubilee nominee for Nakuru governorship Lee Kinyanjui added: “Raila has only inherited supporters of [ANC’s] Musalia Mudavadi and [Bomet Governor and CCM chief] Isaac Ruto has brought nothing. Support for President Uhuru and William Ruto in this region is unshakable.”
Elegeyo Marakwet Senator and a staunch defender of Jubilee government Kipchumba Murkomen dismissed Raila’s in-roads in Rift Valley citing, if anything, he has lost ground.
“Whoever is misleading Raila that support is growing should be forgiven. If there is any change, it is that Raila has lost more ground.”