Kenyans View Raila, Ruto, Gachagua As Heroes- Infotrak Poll
Gen Zs ranked highest, with 23 per cent of Kenyans believing they should be honoured and celebrated as the heroes of the country
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
A new survey by Infotrak Research and Consulting has revealed the top-ranked heroes and heroines in Kenya in 2024, including prominent figures in traditional and modern politics.
According to the survey, whose report was released on Wednesday, October 23, Gen Zs ranked highest, with 23 per cent of Kenyans believing they should be honoured and celebrated as the heroes of the country and be awarded for their stand on social, political, and economic issues that are facing the country.
For the first time, this group stole the national spotlight from former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, who is Kenya's opposition chief, who came second after scoring 18 per cent. Raila was prominent in 2023 as he led anti-government protests in opposition to the high cost of living and punitive taxation.
"Hon. Raila Odinga was the most frequently mentioned hero, with 18% of respondents nationwide recognizing him. His influence was especially pronounced in Nyanza (30%), his political stronghold, but he also had significant support in regions like Western (23%) and Coast (22%). His long-standing role in Kenyan politics and his continued push for reforms and democracy resonated with many," the report read in part.
A survey by Infotrak released on October 23, 2024. /INFOTRAK
The report stretched beyond politics and touched on Kenya's sports, with three-time Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon coming third at 11 per cent, having been recognized for her remarkable achievements in athletics.
Despite the impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua, the former Deputy President tied with his former boss, President William Ruto at 8 per cent, both of whom tied with Embakasi East MP, Babu Owino, per the survey.
"President William Ruto was recognized by 8% of the respondents, with his most robust regional support coming from Western (11%) and Nyanza (8%). Despite being the president, his influence in the hero category was still relatively modest compared to opposition figures and athletes, reflecting the nuanced political dynamics in Kenya," the survey indicated.
"Other notable mentions include Hon. Rigathi Gachagua, with 8% recognition overall, primarily concentrated in Central Kenya (25%), where his political roots are most vigorous, and Hon. Babu Owino, an outspoken MP known for his youth engagement and activism, receiving 8% nationally, with peaks in Nairobi and Nyanza."
Other recognised individuals were former President Uhuru Kenyatta (7 per cent) and Kalonzo Musyoka (5 per cent). Morara Kebaso, Gold medalist Eliud Kipchoge and former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i were ranked at 3 per cent.
On the other hand, Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah was ranked at 2 per cent alongside Deputy President-designate Kithure Kindiki.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Kasmuel Mcoure, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, Narc Kenya party leader Martha Karua and Eric Omondi were ranked at 1 per cent.
Most Influential
Separately, the Infotrak Survey also found that Raila is the most influential leader in Kenya with a 23 per cent ranking followed by Ruto at 7 per cent, Gachagua at 6 per cent, Gen Z and Babu Owino tying at 5 per cent, Morara at 4 per cent and Omondi closing at 3 per cent.
''Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga topped the list again, with 26% of respondents considering him the most influential person. His influence spanned across demographics and regions, though most vital in his home region of Nyanza (42%) and notably high in Western (34%) and Coast (39%). His ability to continuously shape public discourse and mobilize large portions of the electorate, despite not holding office, speaks to his enduring legacy,'' Infotrak.
''Dr. William Ruto, the President, was seen as influential by 7% of respondents. His influence was strongest in Western Kenya and Central Kenya, both of which are key political battlegrounds,'' the survey added.
Other notable influential Kenyans included Kebaso with 4 percent support, while Uhuru and Omondi received 3 percent each. Wanjigi and Musyoka garnered 2 per cent, and Sifuna, Omtata, Kindiki, Nyoro, and Matiang'i, among others, each received 1 per cent.
Gen Z protests in Nairobi CBD. /FILE
How Was The Infotrak Poll Done?
The survey was conducted between September 27-28, 2024 through quantitative interviews conducted through Computer Assisted Telephone Interviews (CATI).
The relevant section of the public that was targeted in the poll (i.e. the universe) was persons who were adults, 18 years old and above at the time of the poll. The overall poll had a target survey sample size of 800 respondents with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 per cent at 95 per cent degree of confidence.
With a response rate of 96%, the survey covered all the eight regions of Kenya. To ensure national representativeness, the distribution of the survey sample across the regions was proportionately allocated.
Data was processed and analyzed using SPSS 26 statistical software due to its high accuracy and reliability.
