NAIROBI, Kenya — Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has emerged as the most preferred successor to the late Raila Odinga, according to a new survey by Infotrak Research & Consulting.
The poll, released on December 28, suggests a significant shift in the political landscape of the Nyanza region as Kenyans weigh in on the future of Luo leadership.
The survey reveals that Babu Owino is the favorite for 33 percent of respondents. He is followed at a distance by Siaya Senator and ODM party leader Oburu Odinga, who garnered 10 percent of the support.
Other notable figures mentioned in the poll include:
- Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay Governor): 7%
- James Orengo (Siaya Governor): 4%
- Opiyo Wandayi (Energy CS) & Raymond Omolo (Interior PS): 2% each
Several other leaders, including Treasury CS John Mbadi, Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, lawyer Miguna Miguna, EALA MP Winnie Odinga, and Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko, each received one percent of the vote. Notably, 37 percent of those surveyed remained undecided or unsure of their preference.
While Owino enjoys a strong lead within his community, the data suggests he faces a steeper climb on the national stage.
According to Infotrak, only seven percent of Kenyans overall indicated they would vote for him if a presidential election were held today.
Survey methodology and accuracy
The quantitative study was conducted on December 19 and 20, 2025, using Computer Assisted Telephone Interviews (CATI).
The research firm sampled 1,000 adult Kenyans (aged 18 and above) across all 47 counties, utilizing Population Proportionate to Size (PPS) guided by the 2019 Census.
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Infotrak confirmed a margin of error of +/- 3.10 percent at a 95 percent confidence level, with a high response rate of 99 percent.
“Where the achieved interviews differed slightly from the intended sampled proportions per demographic group, the dataset was weighted to correct for over or under sampling thus ensuring the sample was proportionately representative of the target population,” the firm said.
The study, which was fully sponsored and financed by Infotrak Research & Consulting Limited, utilized SPSS 27 statistical software for data analysis to ensure the highest levels of accuracy and reliability.
