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A new survey by research firm Infotrak has given several gubernatorial hopefuls a political boost after ranking them among Kenya’s best-performing Members of Parliament.
The study assessed legislators based on public perception of their performance in representation, legislation and oversight, alongside factors such as fulfilment of campaign promises, development record, accessibility, transparency, accountability, stewardship of public resources and media visibility.
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The findings indicate that a number of lawmakers seeking county leadership have built strong support at the grassroots, setting the stage for highly competitive gubernatorial contests that could challenge incumbent governors.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino topped the national rankings for Members of Parliament. He is preparing to challenge Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja in the upcoming elections.
Other highly rated MPs with gubernatorial ambitions include Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa, Uriri MP Mark Nyamita, Nyali MP Mohammed Ali, Ugenya MP David Ochieng’, Tinderet MP Julius Melly, Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga, Kakamega Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda, Emuhaya MP Omboko Milemba, Kitui Central MP Makali Mulu and Kisumu Central MP Joshua Oron.
Barasa is seeking the Bungoma governorship, Nyamita is eyeing Migori, Mohammed Ali is targeting Mombasa, while Ochieng’ hopes to unseat Siaya Governor James Orengo. Melly is running in Nandi, Ruth Odinga and Oron are pursuing the Kisumu governorship, Muhanda is contesting in Kakamega, Milemba in Vihiga and Makali Mulu in Kitui.
Several senators also featured prominently in the rankings while preparing gubernatorial bids. They include Kamau Murango (Kirinyaga), Richard Onyonka (Kisii), Enoch Wambua (Kitui), Godfrey Osotsi (Vihiga), Boni Khalwale (Kakamega), Tom Ojienda (Kisumu) and Fatuma Dullo (Isiolo).
The rankings are expected to strengthen the campaigns of the aspirants by providing independently measured evidence of their parliamentary performance, something likely to appeal to voters demanding accountability and tangible development.
The nationwide survey was conducted between January and May 2026 across all 290 constituencies and 1,450 wards. It involved 87,286 respondents and achieved a 95 per cent confidence level.
Data was collected through Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviews (CATI) and analysed using SPSS. Respondents rated MPs, senators and woman representatives on a scale of one to ten, with average constituency scores determining the final rankings.
According to the report, while MPs are constitutionally mandated to legislate, represent constituents and provide oversight, many Kenyans also judge them based on visible development projects such as bursaries, classrooms, school infrastructure and other NG-CDF-funded initiatives.
Despite the favourable rankings, analysts note that success in parliamentary performance does not automatically translate into victory in county elections, where factors such as political parties, regional alliances, ethnic dynamics and campaign resources often play a decisive role.
Political analyst Prof. Gitile Naituli cautioned that popularity within a constituency may not be enough to secure countywide support, arguing that Parliament’s public image could limit the impact of the survey.
Nationally, Babu Owino led the MPs’ rankings, followed by Majimbo Kalasinga, Ndindi Nyoro, John Bwire, Naisula Lesuuda, Didmus Barasa and Reuben Kiborek.
Among senators, Kamau Murango ranked first, ahead of John Methu, Joel Nyutu, Samson Cherargei, Aaron Cheruiyot, Vincent Kiprono, Richard Onyonka and Dan Maanzo.
Kirinyaga Woman Representative Jane Maina topped the list of women representatives, followed by Rael Kasiwai, Pauline Lenguris, Elsie Muhanda, Rose Mumo, Cecilia Ngitit, Cynthia Muge and Bensuda Osogo.
The report comes as political leaders intensify preparations for the 2027 General Election, with many aspirants already laying the groundwork for their campaigns across the country.
