TIFA POLLS: Kenyans Prefer Ruto to be their Next President
Deputy President Dr. William Ruto is still the most preferred presidential candidate ahead of the August presidential election.
Gathogo Wanjiru 
According to a survey conducted by TIFA research firm shows that 38 percent of Kenyans prefer Ruto as their next president ahead of his political rival in the Azimio la Umoja movement, Raila Odinga.
The survey shows that Raila is trailing behind Ruto who has intensified his campaigns across the country with 27 percent, an 11 percent difference between them.
Though Ruto is still ahead of the ODM leader, the survey shows that Raila has gained popularity since he launched his presidential bid in December last year.
"There was a steady decline in Odinga's rating between June 2020 and June 2021 (from 15% to 18%) but that has more than rebounded in the current survey to 27%, the most recent increase a reflection of the public launch of his candidacy on December 10, 2021," Tifa noted in its survey released on Thursday 17.
According to the survey, Ruto's lead in the race to the State House is blended with the popularity of his party UDA which has gained support over the last few months.
The survey shows that Ruto's UDA has gained most of its supporters from Jubilee and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) parties which are headed by President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga respectively.
TIFA says that 73 percent of those supporting UDA were former Jubilee supporters while another 14 percent are from ODM.
"Neary three-quarter of those now supporting UDA (73%) have come from Jubilee last eighteen months, of a little surprise given the combination of URP's contribution to its formation alongside TNA and the forthcoming retirement of President Uhuru, leaving Jubilee without any presidential contender.
"But ODM has also suffered considerable attrition in this regard, a fact that helps to explain Ruto's continuing national lead over his main rival Raila Odinga," the poll explained.
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka comes third as the most preferred candidate followed by ANC party leader Musalia Mudavadi.
The poll also shows that 20 percent of Kenyans have not decided on who among the presidential candidates they will vote for in the next polls.
