President Uhuru's Popularity drops, Raila Gains-IPSOS Poll

A newly released poll by IPSOS Synovate shows that if elections were held today, President Uhuru Kenyatta would edge his closest rival National Super Alliance (NASA) presidential candidate Raila Odinga, but a run off would be inevitable.

The new survey indicates that Uhuru’s popularity has dropped to 47 percent of the total votes cast, while former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has risen to 43 percent. 61 percent of those interviewed said that feel the country is heading in the wrong direction while 27 percent believe that Kenya is on the right path.

However, despite the negative feeling, 53 percent of Kenyans were satisfied with President Uhuru Kenyatta’s performance in government while 41 percent disapproved.

The survey was carried out from July 3rd to 12th 2,209 people being interviewed.

IPSOS head Tom Wolf however, noted that if the race is narrowed down between Uhuru and Raila, Uhuru would win the election in round one with 52 percent to Raila's 48 percent.

The poll further shows that 40 percent of Kenyans have confidence in President Uhuru Kenyatta, while 39 percent trust Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga.

On the running mates, 33 percent said they have confidence in the Deputy President William Ruto, while those who trust Kalonzo Musyoka were 34 percent.

A poll by the same company last month placed President Uhuru Kenyatta at 49 percent popularity, while Raila Odinga had 42 percent rating.