Munya, Kiraitu in bruising contest – pollster

The Meru County gubernatorial race will be among the most hotly contested in the August 8, 2017 elections as the incumbent, Peter Munya, faces his political friend turned rival, Senator Kiraitu Murungi.

In an opinion poll released Friday, July 2017 by Infotrack Polls, Munya enjoys a 42% approval rating, making him the most popular candidate in the region.

The gap between him and Kiraitu is, however, narrow with the Senator receiving a 40% approval rating.

Munya and Kiraitu will also face off with Maendeleo Chap Chap’s Kilemi Mwiria who enjoys a 5% approval rating.

In the 2013 elections, Munya won the election after beating Mr Mwiria with less than 5,000 votes in a controversial victory that the latter challenged in court but lost.

Munya, who is vying on a Party of National Unity (PNU) ticket, enjoys the advantage of the incumbency while Kiraitu enjoys the goodwill of Jubilee Party, possibly the most popular party in the area.

In Kisii County, Governor James Ongwae would retain his seat if elections were held today.

Ongwae of ODM receives a popularity appraisal of 60% creating a 44% yawning gap between him and his Jubilee opponent, Chris Obure who attracts a 16% approval rating followed by KNC’s Manson Nyamweya with 9%.

In Kajiado County, Governor David Nkedianye of ODM leads the popularity race with 52%, followed by Joseph ole Lenku of Jubilee with 41%.

At least 1,000 respondents from every county were interviewed between June 23 and July 10 in a face-to-face interview.