President Uhuru Kenyatta’s ability to steer the country to economic stability appears his best selling point in the run up to next year’s election, a new Ipsos survey shows.
The survey released on Tuesday, indicates 41 per cent of Kenyans believe the President is better placed to promote the country’s economic development, compared to his likely presidential rivals – Raila Odinga
( 29 per cent), Kalonzo Musyoka ( 3 per cent), Moses Wetang’ula ( 3 per cent) and Musalia Mudavadi ( 1 per cent).
The survey of 2,067 respondents aged above 18, was conducted between June 4–18. The margin of error is +/- 2.16, with a 95 per cent confidence level.
The poll shows Uhuru’s ability to fight negative ethnicity is his second strongest attribute at 38 per cent. This compares to Raila ( 28 per cent), Kalonzo ( 3 per cent) and Wetang’ula ( 2 per cent). ANC’s Mudavadi’s rating is at 2 per cent.
Uhuru also beats his rivals in the ability to defend the constitution and the rule of law. He registers 37 per cent approval, compared to Raila’s 30 per cent. Kalonzo and Wetang’ula scored three per cent each, while Mudavadi got one per cent.
The survey also gives Uhuru the lead in the war on corruption at 33 per cent followed by Raila at 30 per cent. Kalonzo, Wetang’ula and Mudavadi performed dismally with 3 per cent, 2 per cent and 1 per cent, respectively. “Statistically, the difference between the President and Raila in fighting corruption almost disappears. Looking at these figures, you can see more Kenyans think Uhuru and Raila are more likely candidates than the other two, if Cord agreed on Raila as its flagbearer,” Ipsos lead researcher Tom Wolf said.
The survey also indicates an equal number of Jubilee and Cord supporters – 78 per cent each – believe a candidate’s willingness to declare his or her wealth and how he or she acquired it, is key to fighting graft.
It indicated only one in 10 Kenyans believe a candidate who refuses to declare his wealth and how he acquired it, would be keen to fight corruption.