Former Treasury Cabinet Secretary Ukur Yattani has recorded 28.5 per cent in the Marsabit 2027 gubernatorial race survey, ahead of Ali Dido Rasso at 21.9 per cent, Kello Harsama at 19.9 per cent and Roba Duba at 10.7 per cent, according to research firm Mwelekeo Insights.
Former Treasury CS Ukur Yatani. Photo/https://x.com/KeTreasury
The survey, which closed on Sunday, October 4, 2026, also recorded Naomi Waqo at 8 per cent, Ambrose Harugurah at 7.5 per cent and Francis Chachu Ganya at 3.5 per cent.
The results place Yattani ahead of the other six politicians included in the survey as he seeks to return to the Marsabit governor’s office, which he previously occupied between 2013 and 2017.
According to the Mwelekeo Insights Marsabit governor survey, Yattani recorded a 6.6-percentage-point advantage over Rasso, while the difference between him and Harsama stood at 8.6 percentage points.
The findings bring attention to Yattani’s political comeback and his previous experience in county administration, national government and diplomacy.
Former Treasury CS Ukur Yatani. Photo/https://x.com/KeTreasury
Yattani’s political comeback
Yattani served as Marsabit’s first governor following the introduction of devolved government in 2013.
His administration marked the county’s transition into the devolved system, with county governments assuming responsibility for functions including local healthcare, agriculture and county infrastructure.
Before becoming governor, Yattani served as North Horr MP and held several positions in public administration.
He also represented Kenya diplomatically in Austria and served as the country’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Vienna.
Former Treasury CS Ukur Yatani. Photo/https://x.com/KeTreasury
In January 2018, he joined the Cabinet as Secretary for Labour and Social Protection.
He was subsequently appointed acting Treasury Cabinet Secretary in July 2019 before his confirmation in January 2020.
Yattani served at the National Treasury until October 2022, overseeing the ministry responsible for national budgeting, public finance management and economic planning. The National Treasury
His 2027 gubernatorial bid therefore marks a possible return to county leadership after holding senior positions in the national government.
The former Cabinet Secretary is associated with the United Party of Independent Alliance as he prepares for the Marsabit political contest.
Rasso, Harsama and Duba follow
The latest Mwelekeo Insights findings also highlight the other politicians attracting support among survey participants.
Former Treasury CS Ukur Yatani. Photo/https://x.com/KeTreasury
Ali Dido Rasso recorded 21.9 per cent, followed by Kello Harsama with 19.9 per cent.
The difference between Rasso and Harsama stood at two percentage points.
Roba Duba followed with 10.7 per cent, while Naomi Waqo recorded 8 per cent.
Ambrose Harugurah registered 7.5 per cent, with Francis Chachu Ganya recording 3.5 per cent.
Together, the results provide an early picture of preferences among those who participated in the survey ahead of the August 2027 General Election.
For Yattani, the findings come as he seeks another opportunity to lead Marsabit County after nearly a decade away from the governor’s office.
About Mwelekeo Insights
Mwelekeo Insights is a Kenyan research firm specialising in public opinion research and analysis.
The firm conducts surveys covering politics, governance, economic developments, social issues, business and consumer behaviour.
Its research activities include county-level political surveys examining preferences among participants ahead of elections.
Former Treasury CS Ukur Yatani. Photo/https://x.com/KeTreasury
Besides the Marsabit gubernatorial survey, the firm has published findings covering political contests in counties including Kiambu, Mombasa, Kakamega, Kilifi and Trans Nzoia.
The Marsabit governor survey by Mwelekeo Insights provides percentage results for seven politicians included in the exercise.
The published figures reflect the preferences of survey participants; the available information does not establish that they represent all Marsabit voters.
For Yattani, the survey adds another development to his return to county politics, bringing his previous experience as governor, Cabinet Secretary and diplomat into focus ahead of the 2027 election.
