A new survey by market research firm Infotrak has revealed that Raila Odinga, leader of the opposition, is among the most preferred candidates to replace Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua if his impeachment succeeds.
The poll, conducted on October 9, 2024, through Computer Assisted Telephone Interviews (CATI) across Kenya’s eight regions, highlighted key contenders for the role of deputy president.
According to the survey results released on Friday, October 11, 2024, 2% of Kenyans favour Raila as a potential successor to Gachagua.
However, the frontrunner in the poll was Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, who secured 20% support, followed by Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, each garnering 5% of the respondents’ backing.
Other notable candidates included Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, both of whom received 4% support.
Kindiki, the Interior CS, led the poll in several key regions, including Raila Odinga’s strongholds in Nyanza, Western, Coast, and Nairobi, where he outperformed the opposition leader.
The highest regional support for Kindiki came from Rift Valley (25%), Eastern (25%), and Nairobi (22%).
Notably, 24% of male respondents preferred Kindiki as Gachagua’s replacement, compared to 16% of females.
The age group most supportive of Kindiki was those aged 36-45, with 21% backing him for the role.
Interestingly, a majority of respondents—60%—said they were unsure or did not know who should replace Gachagua if he is impeached.
Among those who supported Kindiki, the top reasons cited were his experience and track record (32%) and competence (29%).
While Kithure Kindiki led the overall poll, Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro was rated highest for experience and track record, with 43% of respondents giving him top marks in this category.
The survey underscores the diverse opinions surrounding potential candidates, with Kindiki emerging as the preferred choice among those surveyed, while Raila Odinga maintains his influence as a key figure despite trailing in percentage.
As political tensions continue to mount, these results will likely fuel further debate on who could succeed Gachagua if an impeachment takes place.