Former Cabinet Secretary Ukur Yattani has taken the lead in the race for Marsabit County governor, according to a new survey by Mwelekeo Insights. The poll shows Yattani, who is seeking the seat on the United Party of Independent Alliance (UPIA) ticket, ahead of other contenders as the 2027 elections draw closer.
Ali Dido Rasso of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) comes second, while Kello Harsama, also of UDA, holds third place. The results offer a clear early view of voter preferences in the county.
Who is leading the pack
Yattani scored 28.5 percent support. Rasso followed with 21.9 percent. Harsama recorded 19.9 percent. These three sit clearly ahead of the others. Roba Duba took 10.7 percent. Naomi Waqo of UDA got 8 percent. Ambrose Harugurah, listed as an independent, scored 7.5 percent. Francis Chachu Ganya of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) finished with 3.5 percent.
Yattani’s position reflects his earlier time as Marsabit’s first governor and his later work as Treasury Cabinet Secretary. Rasso, the Saku Member of Parliament, draws on long local experience and constituency networks. Harsama brings his role as a Principal Secretary into the mix.
The gap between the top three and the rest of the field shows how the race is shaping up at this stage.
Why the race matters in Marsabit
Marsabit is a large county with many communities, including the Gabra, Borana and Rendille. Local politics often turns on clan support, past performance and the ability to deliver basic services such as water, schools and roads. This early survey suggests residents are already forming views well before the formal campaign period begins.
Yattani’s lead may come from name recognition and previous county experience. Rasso’s second place points to steady grassroots presence. Harsama’s third spot shows he remains firmly in contention.
The distance between the leading group and the other candidates suggests the contest could tighten once parties settle on final tickets and more endorsements come in.
Candidates will need to reach beyond their strongest support bases. Elders and community groups have already started giving their blessings, and that process is likely to continue. Voters will look at experience, new ideas and promises around better use of county resources.
Mwelekeo Insights
Mwelekeo Insights continues to follow public sentiment across Kenya through its regular surveys.
In its Nairobi senatorial race survey, the firm found Edwin Sifuna was leading with 43.6 percent, followed by Ken Babu of DCP at 29.3 percent, Felix Jalang’o of ODM at 20.1 percent, Kenneth Onyango of KPP at 5.2 percent, and 1.8 percent undecided. Work like this helps give a wider picture of political trends as the country moves toward the next general election.
