Kakamega Senator Boniface Khalwale has commanded a substantial lead in an online poll conducted by Kenya’s leading research firm, Mwelekeo Insights, on Monday, August 17, 2026, on the preferred candidate for Kakamega governor in the 2027 General Election.
Khalwale, who is associated with the United People’s Movement (UPM), records 37.8 per cent support, putting him 17 percentage points ahead of his closest challenger, former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala, who records 20.8 per cent.
The poll places Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula third with 12.5 per cent support. Savula is associated with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, who is associated with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), records 10.4 per cent.
Former MP Christopher Aseka follows with 8.9 per cent, while Samuel Omukoko of the Farmers Party of Kenya (FPK) records 5.3 per cent.
ODM politician Elsie Muhanda records 4.2 per cent.
The poll attracted 1,714 valid ballots, with Mwelekeo Insights reporting zero rejected ballots and a 100 per cent turnout among participants.
Khalwale’s 37.8 per cent support gives him a substantial lead over the rest of the field. His closest challenger, Malala, trails by 17 percentage points, while Savula is a further 8.3 percentage points behind Malala.
The results provide a snapshot of public sentiment around the Kakamega governorship as political activity builds ahead of the 2027 General Election.
An infographic showing Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale leads in online poll. Photo/Kenya Digest
The poll places Khalwale ahead of both the incumbent governor and deputy governor, as well as Malala, who previously served as Kakamega Senator.
Kakamega is expected to remain a significant political battleground in Western Kenya ahead of the 2027 elections, with several prominent political figures already positioning themselves for key elective and political roles.
Mwelekeo Insights describes itself as a research firm specialising in gathering and analysing public sentiment on politics, governance, economic trends, social issues, business landscapes and consumer behaviour.
The figures cited in this report are from the Kakamega County 2027 Governor Survey published by Mwelekeo Insights. They reflect responses recorded in the online poll and should not be interpreted as a prediction of the eventual election outcome.