Kisumu County, long regarded as a stronghold of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), now appears to have turned into a battleground between President William Ruto and a breakaway ODM faction led by Edwin Sifuna.
With the 2027 general election fast approaching, various political camps are intensifying efforts to woo support in the region where former Prime Minister Raila Odinga had significant influence.
Before his death, Raila was working closely with President William Ruto, and this may have been a factor that could help the latter gain support in a region traditionally outside his core base.
On the other hand, Raila’s foot soldiers, led by Edwin Sifuna, were defiant about working with Ruto and have continued even after the late ODM boss’s death, a stance that may gain them significant following in the region.
While leading the anti-Broad-based bloc within the ODM camp, Sifuna gained massive support not only in Kisumu but also across the country.
In the wake of the Nairobi Senator’s efforts to woo support in Kisumu, as well as President Ruto’s outreach, Mizani Africa has released a new poll on the presidential race in the Nyanza region.
In a social media post on April 30, Mizani Africa listed findings showing how Kisumu residents may vote in the presidential race, with candidates including William Ruto, Rigathi Gachagua, Edwin Sifuna, Kalonzo Musyoka, Fred Matiang’i, David Maraga, and Ndindi Nyoro.
According to the poll, William Ruto leads in Kisumu County with 49.0%, followed by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna with 21.8%.
Other opposition figures aspiring to the presidency also feature in the poll, with Kalonzo Musyoka at 4.9%, Fred Matiang’i at 4.3%, former Chief Justice David Maraga at 2.6%, and Rigathi Gachagua at 2.1%.
A notable share of respondents, about 13.5% in Kisumu County, remain undecided, a group that could ultimately shape the outcome and make the county a key battleground.
