Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga has been mentioned as Kenya’s most influential figure, according to a survey conducted by research firm Infotrak.

Raila led the survey, with 26 per cent of the respondents naming him as the most influential person. President William Ruto, whose government has faced a lot of criticism and opposition, especially this year, came in second, scoring a seven per cent mark, in a survey released on Wednesday, October 23, 2024.

Rigathi Gachagua, who has so far been impeached as Kenya’s Deputy President, came third with a six per cent score.

Embakasi East Member of Parliament (MP), Babu Owino, tied at five per cent with Gen Zs. The MP has always been on the side of the young people in most issues that affect the country and even showed solidarity during the June-July-August demonstrations against the government.

Political activist Morara Kebaso was ranked in the sixth position, with four per cent of the respondents saying he is an influential figure.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta enjoyed a three per cent score, while former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka and Jimi Wanjigi both scored two per cent.

Kithure Kindiki, the Deputy President-designate, Kiharu MP Ndidi Nyoro, Nairobi County Senator Edwin Sifuna, and his Busia County counterpart Okiya Omtatah all tied at one per cent.

By region, Raila enjoyed big support from Coast (39%), North Eastern (14%), Eastern (20%), Central (13%), Rift Valley (25%), Western (34%), Nyanza (42%), and Nairobi (24%).

Ruto’s score came out as follows: Coast region (10%), North Eastern (14%), Eastern (8%), Central (5%), Rift Valley (8%), Western (7%), Nyanza (4%) and Nairobi (8%).