Raila leads

Raila Odinga is the most trusted political leader, a new opinion poll reveals.

According to an Infotrak Harris poll released Saturday, 31 per cent of Kenyans trust Raila while 11 per cent have faith in President Mwai Kibaki, who ranks second in the list of most trusted leaders in Kenya today. The development is no doubt welcome news for the PM, who has over the last one year been fighting wars on many fronts within Government and his Orange Democratic Movement party. Commenting on the report, Raila said it is a reflection of his commitment to change. He said Kenyans desire for change, and particularly a new constitution, was unwavering and hoped leaders will listen to the wishes of the people.



The curious development about the latest ratings involves Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka whose approval has plummeted drastically. Kalonzo, who has variously been rated behind Raila and Kibaki in previous polls, is now listed below Gichugu MP Martha Karua, Agriculture Minister William Ruto, deputy premiers, Uhuru Kenyatta and Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Kenneth Marende.
The poll, carried out between November 22 and 30 last year, shows Karua’s ratings at seven per cent, Ruto and Uhuru (five per cent), Mudavadi and Marende (four per cent), Planning Assistant Minister Peter Kenneth, Environment Minister John Michuki and Kalonzo tie at three per cent. Others include Tourism Minister Najib Balala, Lands Minister James Orengo and Water Minister Charity Ngilu who registered one per cent each. Kalonzo refused to comment on the findings while we were unable to reach the others in the list.
"Only Raila and Kibaki’s ratings were from respondents across the board as opposed to other leaders whose votes were from their own regions," said Infotrak Director Angela Ambitho.
She said respondents who thought Karua and Ngilu were trustworthy were largely females while those who voted for male politicians were mostly male.
The poll comes at a time when politicians have realigned themselves in readiness for 2012 General Election. The run up to 2012 has witnessed formation of the so-called KKK alliance to bring together Kalenjin, Kikuyu and Kamba leaders. ODM-Kenya leader, Kalonzo, Kanu Chairman Uhuru and ODM Deputy Party Leader, Ruto, who are the forces behind the new grouping, have made it clear they would forge an alliance in order to ascend to power in 2012.

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) is the most trusted public institution according to a new opinion poll released Saturday by Infotrak.

Launching the poll, Infotrak boss Angela Ambitho said the media, Kenya Roads Board, COTU and the Ministry of Health are among the country's best institutions.

The survey that was conducted in November before the Free Primary Education scam was exposed saw the Ministry of Education also get a favorable rating.

The Police Force topped the list of the worst serving public institutions followed by the Judiciary. Others are the anti-graft body KACC, Local Authorities and the Ministry of Transport.

The survey indicates that Kenyans are still not satisfied with the performance of the coalition government.

The government rating from a sample of 1200 respondents was a mean of 4 out of 10 .

"No Kenyans felt that the government deserved an excellent rating because of constant power wrangles, the issue of IDP's and non-accomplishment of the reform agenda among others" said Ms Ambitho.

Women have more trust in Martha Karua and Minister Charity Ngilu.

22 percent of Kenyans interviewed hope the government will deliver a new constitution this year.

Also on Kenyans wish list for this year is reduced food prices, justice of post election violence suspects and affordable health care and education.

62 percent of Kenyans prefer trial of PEV suspects at The Hague while only 2 per cent supported a local tribunal.