OPINION: President Ruto Would Be Re-elected If Elections Was Held Today Despite The Ongoing Complaints On Living Standard

A new national survey shows that President William Ruto would still win the presidency if Kenya held an election today, despite growing public frustration with how the government is running the country. 

The poll, carried out by Infotrak between December 19 and 20, paints a complex picture of a leader who remains ahead of his opponents even as criticism around key issues continues to rise.

According to the findings, Ruto enjoys 28% support across Kenya. This places him comfortably above his closest challengers. Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i comes second with 13% support, followed closely by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka at 12%. 

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino stands at 7%, while DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua records 5%. Martha Karua and former Chief Justice David Maraga follow with 2% each.

Despite the ongoing complaints about rising living costs, corruption claims, and heavy-handed state actions, Ruto’s base remains steady. 

Many respondents who support him said they believe he is committed to reducing the cost of living and improving access to healthcare. 

Others said they appreciate his promise to fight corruption, even though critics argue that progress on these promises has been slow.

One area where the president is still struggling to win public trust is his Affordable Housing Programme. 

Only a small number of those interviewed said the housing project influences their support for him, suggesting that the programme has not yet connected with the wider population.

The Infotrak study spoke to 1,000 Kenyans from all 47 counties using computer-assisted phone interviews. 

The sample was designed using population data from the 2019 census and carries a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1%.

The release of this poll comes at a time when Ruto is already preparing for the 2027 General Election. Part of his strategy includes reaching out to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). 

He has urged the party to reorganize and strengthen itself, noting that a well-prepared ODM could work together with his United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to form the next government. 

He emphasized that strong parties on both sides would make planning the country’s future easier.