New poll shows Sonko 'is Kidero's biggest challenger' in 2017
Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko. A new opinion poll released on February 18, 2016 shows that Mr Sonko is Dr Evans Kidero's biggest challenger in the 2017 polls. FILE PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Nominated MP Johnson Sakaja and former Devolutions CS Anne Waiguru are expected to declare their interest in the governor's post.
- Mr Sonko came to the political scene in 2011 to vie for the Makadara by-election.
In 2013, Mr Sonko won the Nairobi senator’s position.
Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero’s biggest challenger in the 2017 elections will be the county’s senator, Mr Mike Sonko, according to a new poll released Thursday.
A report published by local research firm ITF Research Ltd shows that the governor and the senator command equal support of 28 per cent while other potential contenders collectively have just 12 per cent.
The results indicate that one in four voters in Nairobi is still undecided, which means they could shift support for either of the two, or support a newcomer.
DECLARATION
In a statement, ITF Director Maggie Ireri said the poll was conducted amid speculation that nominated MP Johnson Sakaja and former Devolution Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru would declare their interest in vying for the post.
“After their formal declaration three days ago, Nairobians would definitely be keen to see if their ratings will go up. Therefore, the results of this survey are baseline against which the candidates’ future campaign efforts can be evaluated,” she said.
Mr Sonko came to the political scene in 2011 to vie for the Makadara by-election in which he beat seasoned politicians such as Mr Dick Wathika and former boxer Reuben Ndolo.
In 2013, he won the Nairobi senator’s position.
Dr Kidero was Mumias Sugar CEO before running for Nairobi governor, with a promise to change the city.
He got the ODM ticket after Bishop Margaret Wanjiru, who was a favourite party contender, could not prove she had an academic degree at the time.
After interviewing 544 adults, the research firm discovered that Mr Sonko is supported mainly by male voters (35 per cent), compared to 22 per cent (female supporters).
