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The entry of Mike Mbuvi Sonko in the Mombasa gubernatorial race seems to have dislodged the popularity of candidates who had covered significant ground ahead of the August 9 elections.
A new poll by TIFA shows that the former Nairobi Governor has 28% popularity compared to ODM’S AbdulSwamad Nassir who is leading with 40%.
The poll shows that Sonko is also way above former Mombasa senator Hassan Omar of UDA who has a paltry 9% support. Dr William Kingi who is also in the race has 1% support while 22% remain undecided.
The previous poll had put Nassir ahead with 55% rating ahead of business man Suleiman Shahbal. Mr. Shahbal stepped down in favor of Nassir following consensus talks spearheaded by ODM leader Raila Odinga.
Political observers have predicted a tough battle between Nassir and Sonko with three months remaining to election day.
Sonko is yet to officially Launch his bid but was cleared and given the certificate to contest last week by Wiper Party.
It is expected that he will eat into the 22% undecided voters in the county that is largely affiliated to the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Alliance coalition.
The findings put Azimio’s popularity in Mombasa at 41% while Kenya Kwanza is at 27%.