Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot has dismissed recent opinion polls that ranked President William Ruto as the most preferred presidential candidate with 28 per cent public support, arguing that the figures grossly underestimate the president’s popularity across the country.
‎
The survey, released on Sunday, December 28, showed that 28 per cent of Kenyans surveyed would vote to re-elect President Ruto.
‎
Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i ranked second with 13 per cent support, followed closely by Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka at 12 per cent. Embakasi East MP Babu Owino garnered seven per cent, while former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua received five per cent.
‎
However, a significant portion of the electorate remains undecided. According to the survey, 25 per cent of respondents had not settled on a preferred presidential candidate, while four per cent declined to disclose their choice. ‎

Speaking on the matter, Cheruiyot maintained that President Ruto commands significantly broader backing from Kenyans, citing the administration’s development record as evidence of growing public confidence.

He pointed to flagship initiatives such as the nationwide affordable housing programme, the rollout of the Social Health Authority (SHA), and the recruitment of more than 76,000 teachers as key achievements resonating with citizens.

According to the Kenya Kwanza legislator, such tangible development efforts cannot be accurately captured by opinion polls, which he described as detached from the realities on the ground.

Downplays opposition’s alliance

Cheruiyot also downplayed the strength of the emerging opposition alliance, insisting that its key figures lack the political weight to mount a credible challenge against President Ruto.

‎“The likes of Matiang’i and Kalonzo cannot even compete with me, let alone the President. I am a third-term senator and the majority leader, while Matiang’i has never been elected by anyone,” he said.
‎
Kipkelion East MP Joseph Cherorot also hailed President Ruto for his plans to expand the Rironi-Mau Summit road and the dualing of the Mau Summit-Kericho-Kisii-Isibania road, saying it will help reduce traffic snarl-ups and accidents along the roads.
‎
‎Further, Cheruiyot welcomed the decision by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to engage with the Kenya Kwanza administration, terming it a positive step toward national unity. He argued that cooperation across political divides is essential for driving the country’s development agenda forward.
‎
‎He added that Kenya must move away from divisive tribal and regional politics and instead embrace a shared national purpose focused on economic growth, service delivery, and inclusive governance.