ODM MOST POPULAR

Despite raging internal wrangles Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement is still the most popular political party.

According to the poll conducted by Strategic Public Relations and Research and released yesterday, ODM enjoys a popularity rating of 51 per cent.

This means ODM’s popularity rose sharply despite the intensified feud between party leader and Prime Minister Raila Odinga and his deputy and Agriculture Minister William Ruto.

The poll conducted on February 18 and 19 shows that PNU lags behind in popularity at 20 per cent.

A poll conducted by Synovate and released on January 8, showed ODM’s popularity was on the decline with 35 per cent of those polled supporting it. That same poll put PNU’s popularity at 20 per cent.

According to the Strategic poll released yesterday, ODM-Kenya of Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka has the support of four per cent, Narc three and Kanu and Ford-Kenya at a low two per cent each.

SPRR’s Chief Executive Officer Ceaser Handa, who released the report at a Nairobi hotel, said the seeming lack of effect of the ODM wrangles on its popularity could be explained by the fact that Raila and Ruto’s supporters also support ODM.

"The reality on the ground is that ODM is the most popular party," Mr Handa said.

The poll did not, however, show what percentage supported Raila, Ruto or any other ODM politician.

At the same time, the polls shows 55 per cent of Kenyans trust the PM to lead the fight against corruption. Only 14 per cent trust President Kibaki, while five per cent trust Vice-President Kalonzo.

Bold move

Four per cent trust Environment Minister John Michuki and Justice Minister Mutula Kilonzo in the fight against graft while only three per cent trust Gichugu MP Martha Karua and Attorney General Amos Wako.

Handa attributes the trust in Raila on "the bold move" he took in suspending Ruto and Education Minister Sam Ongeri.

"The PM made a bold move and took action that Kenyans want to see happen. They feel he has what it takes to fight corruption," Handa said.

According to the research 70 per cent of Kenyans support the PM’s move to suspend the two ministers while 75 per cent do not approve of the President’s action to rescind Raila’s action and reinstate the two ministers. At the same time, corruption has overtaken constitution making as the most important issue.

According to the poll, 35 per cent of Kenyans feel corruption is the most important issue followed by political instability (29 per cent). Only nine per cent of those polled rated constitutional review as most important.

Eighty two per cent want ministers and senior Government officials accused of corruption fired and prosecuted while only 7.4 per cent feel that they should simply be warned and let to continue discharging their duties. Six per cent want corrupt officials to face the death penalty.

The report also indicates that 17 per cent of Kenyans have become disillusioned with political parties. Handa attributes this to internal wrangles in political parties.

"The 17 per cent figure is significant as it indicates that some Kenyans are trying to find new political homes. There is a suggestion that new political parties could be formed," Handa said.

The power sharing arrangement is still unpopular according to the opinion poll. Eighty three per cent of Kenyans are not happy with the power sharing arrangement in the coalition pointing at lack of understanding and co-ordination between the two principals in handling national issues.

Stepped aside

Eighty-four per cent of Kenyans feel that the Government has not taken necessary steps to effectively fight corruption as 51.6 per cent are satisfied with improvement of roads.

When contacted for comment on the poll, the PNU Spokesperson Moses Kuria dismissed it as an ODM ploy to hoodwink the pubic. "If you look at what is happening in Parliament, where they have lost the majority, you will understand what is happening in the country," he said.

Mr Kuria said it was unlikely that Raila would score high in the fight against corruption yet two officers from his office recently stepped aside over allegations on corruption.

Strategic PR polled 1,600 respondents and used a questionnaire administered face to face.