sent by John Mbote

US firm puts Kibaki ahead (Nation newspaper)

By JEFF OTIENO and DAVID MUGONYI
Tue, Dec 18, 2007 23:05 PM (EAT)

The US-based Gallup opinion poll shows President Kibaki leading with a one per cent margin ahead of his closest rival ODM presidential candidate, Mr Raila Odinga.

The study conducted between December 5 and 14 says the two presidential hopefuls are still in a tight race.

The research shows that 44 per cent of registered voters intend to vote for President Kibaki while 43 per cent will vote for Mr Odinga. ODM-K’s Kalonzo Musyoka elicits the support of 12 per cent registered voters.

Gallup teamed up with a Nairobi-based research firm, Research Path Associates, in conducting the study.

Courtesy Gallup.com

In North Eastern, 51 per cent of voters intend to vote for Mr Kibaki, up from 15 per cent in their previous poll conducted between October and early November, the study says.

“Western province is still firmly in Odinga’s grasp, as 62 per cent say they plan to vote for him, but the ODM candidate has lost nine points there and the PNU candidate has gained six points,” the study adds.

The gap between the two leading candidates has also narrowed by four points in Rift Valley, it says.

Kibaki’s stronghold still remains Central with 88 per cent.

Confidence level

Mr Odinga’s support, on the other hand, is well anchored in Nyanza. 86 per cent of registered voters plan to vote for him, a five-point rise from the previous poll.

In Nairobi, Mr Odinga maintains a slight edge over Mr Kibaki. 41 per cent of registered voters are behind the president and 49 per cent prefer the ODM presidential candidate.

In Coast province, Mr Odinga maintains a 38-point lead over Kibaki.

Eastern province is divided between Mr Kibaki (48 per cent) and Mr Musyoka (46 per cent).