Babu Owino Most Preferred to Be Luo Kingpin – Infotrak

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino is emerging as the leading figure to succeed ODM leader Raila Odinga as the Luo political kingpin, according to a new end-of-year opinion poll by research firm Infotrak.

The survey, released on Sunday, December 28, shows that 33 per cent of respondents picked Babu Owino as their preferred successor. He was followed by Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga at 10 per cent.

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga ranked third with seven per cent, while Siaya Governor James Orengo received four per cent. Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo each scored two per cent.

Others who received one per cent support each include Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o, lawyer Miguna Miguna, East African Legislative Assembly MP Winnie Odinga, and Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko.

However, the poll shows uncertainty among voters, with 37 per cent of respondents saying they were not sure who should take up the role.

The same survey also found that President William Ruto would win the presidency if elections were held today. According to the results, 28 per cent of those surveyed said they would vote to re-elect President Ruto.

Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i came second with 13 per cent support, followed closely by Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka at 12 per cent. Babu Owino received seven per cent support in the presidential race, while former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua had five per cent.

People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua and former Chief Justice David Maraga each recorded two per cent.

The poll further shows that many voters are still undecided, with 25 per cent saying they had not chosen a preferred presidential candidate, while four per cent declined to disclose their choice.

On political formations, 32 per cent of respondents said they feel closest to the broad-based government led by President Ruto. The United Opposition coalition associated with Rigathi Gachagua, Martha Karua, Kalonzo Musyoka and Eugene Wamalwa was supported by 22 per cent.

Another 17 per cent said they align with the Kenya Moja alliance led by Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, and MPs Babu Owino, Gathoni Wamuchomba and Ndindi Nyoro. Meanwhile, 29 per cent said they do not identify with any political formation.

In terms of political parties, the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) emerged as the most preferred party at 23 per cent, followed by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) at 19 per cent. The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) led by Rigathi Gachagua recorded six per cent support, Jubilee Party had five per cent, while Wiper Patriotic Front stood at four per cent.

The Infotrak survey was conducted between December 19 and 20, 2025, involving 1,000 respondents drawn from all 47 counties across Kenya’s eight regions.