By Jameson
Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has emerged as the leading choice for Luo political leadership, according to a new opinion poll conducted by Infotrak Research and Consulting.
Results of the survey, released on December 28, show that many respondents consider Owino the most likely successor to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. He topped the list with 33 per cent support, well ahead of his nearest challenger, Siaya Senator and ODM party leader Oburu Odinga, who attracted 10 per cent.
The end of year poll was carried out on December 19 and 20, 2025, covering all 47 counties. Infotrak said the sample was proportionately distributed across regions to ensure the findings were nationally representative.
Other leaders mentioned in the survey include Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga at seven per cent and Siaya Governor James Orengo at four per cent. Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omolo each recorded two per cent support.
A number of other figures garnered one per cent each, among them Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o, lawyer Miguna Miguna, East African Legislative Assembly MP Winnie Odinga, and Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko. Meanwhile, 37 per cent of respondents said they were unsure who should take over as the Luo political leader after Raila Odinga.
The poll, however, indicates that Owino’s strong standing within the Luo community does not necessarily extend nationwide. Only seven per cent of respondents said they would support him in a presidential vote if an election were held today.
Infotrak reported a response rate of 99 per cent, noting that where completed interviews slightly differed from the intended demographic proportions, statistical weighting was applied to correct for over or under sampling and ensure accurate representation.
The survey was sponsored and funded by Infotrak Research and Consulting Limited and used quantitative research methods. Data was collected through Computer Assisted Telephone Interviews, with a sample of 1,000 respondents representing Kenyan adults aged 18 and above.
The sampling framework was based on Population Proportionate to Size methodology guided by the 2019 national census. Infotrak said the survey has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.10 per cent at a 95 per cent confidence level, with data analysis conducted using SPSS version 27.
