By Editorial Team
A new opinion poll has placed Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa and former Laikipia Woman Representative Cate Waruguru ahead of their rivals in the race for governor in Bungoma and Laikipia counties, signalling an early political advantage ahead of the 2027 General Election.
According to the latest survey by Darubini POLL, Barasa emerged as the frontrunner in Bungoma County with 64 percent support, far ahead of his closest challenger, Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi, who garnered 27 percent.
Former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati followed with 17 percent, while Zacharia Barasa polled 16 percent. A section of respondents remained undecided.
The survey further indicates that Barasa enjoys strong support among women and youth voters, with nearly 70 percent of women respondents reportedly backing his gubernatorial bid.
In Laikipia County, Waruguru also emerged as the leading contender, securing 51 percent support. She was followed by former Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri at 23 percent, while former Governor Ndiritu Muriithi received 14 percent support.
The findings suggest that Laikipia voters are increasingly aligning with the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), with Waruguru emerging as the preferred candidate for the party ticket.
Beyond Bungoma and Laikipia, the survey also found that several incumbent governors are maintaining strong political footing in key counties, with development projects, social programmes and party influence emerging as the main factors shaping voter preferences ahead of 2027.
The poll examined gubernatorial contests in politically influential counties, including Nairobi, Kisumu, Nakuru and Kakamega. According to the findings, voters are increasingly evaluating aspirants based on service delivery, visible development and economic empowerment programmes.
In Nairobi, Governor Johnson Sakaja emerged as the frontrunner with 48 percent support. The survey attributes his popularity to programmes such as the Dishi na County school feeding initiative, which continues to benefit learners from low-income families in public primary schools.
Respondents also pointed to ward-level road rehabilitation projects and visible county activities in informal settlements as factors strengthening Sakaja’s standing.
Embakasi North MP James Gakuya ranked second with 28 percent support, drawing significant backing from Mount Kenya voters living in Nairobi. Meanwhile, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino garnered 17 percent, with strong support among younger voters and residents of informal settlements.
In Kisumu County, Senior Counsel Tom Ojienda emerged as the leading gubernatorial aspirant with 40 percent support. The survey found that many respondents consider him the strongest successor to Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, who is serving his final term.
However, the poll suggests a competitive succession contest could emerge within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), particularly as Deputy Governor Mathews Owili positions himself as the continuity candidate for the county’s development agenda.
Internal party dynamics may also influence the final race, especially with Ruth Odinga receiving 17 percent support in the survey.
In Nakuru County, Governor Susan Kihika maintained a commanding lead with 42 percent support.
The survey found that Kihika continues to enjoy support among women and small-scale traders, largely due to healthcare programmes and economic empowerment initiatives introduced by her administration. Respondents particularly cited the Sh100 million Wezesha Fund, which offers affordable loans to small business owners, as one of the county government’s most popular initiatives.
