Gachagua Mt Kenya’s most popular leader, shows study

Wednesday, April 3rd, 2024 03:01 | By

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua addresses the media after visiting Chief Inspector John Misoi. PHOTO/Rigathi Gachagua/x

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is the most popular leader in Mount Kenya region, survey shows.
Survey by The Consortium of Researchers on Governance (CoRG AFRICA LIMITED) gave Gachagua an approval rating of 86.1 per cent compared to others who scored a mere 10.8 per cent while 3.1 of the respondents did not vote for anyone.

According to the report that was released yesterday, the respondents were distributed proportionate to the number of registered voters in wards (in 64 constituencies) as per the electoral commission 2022 Voters Register.

Research was conducted between March 19 and 29 shows
“Consortium of Researchers on Governance and its affiliate organisations conducted a public policy and governance research survey in the Mount Kenya region, between March 19 and 29, to track elected leader’s popularity and approval ratings, with respect to implementation of their 2022 campaign promises/manifestos,” the survey.

On issues affecting the residents, survey ranks illicit brew (22.9 per cent) at the top followed by coffee (19.3), unemployment (18.1) followed by tea (16) while macadamia and avocados scored 3.2 and 2.6 per cent respectively. Other issues affecting the residents stood at 3.2 per cent.

Among governors, the survey ranks Murang’a Irungu Kang’ata as the best performed after scoring 63.2 per cent followed by Council of Governors (CoG) chairpercounty chief Ann Waiguru at 61.8 per cent, Mutahi Kahiga (Nyeri, 59.4), Kiarie Badilisha (Nyandarua, 58) while Susan Kihika (Nakuru) emerged fifth with 57.6 per cent.

In the bottom five is Kawira Mwangaza (Meru) with 55.3 per cent, Muthomi Njuki (Tharaka Nithi, 54.1), Cecily Mbarire (Embu, 52.5), Kimani Wamatangi (Kiambu 49.2) followed by Joshua Irungu (Laikipia, 47.8).
“A total of 4,000 respondents (registered voters) were targeted in the 10 counties; 3,540 contacted and 3,266 interviewed; male 54.3 per cent and female 45.7 per cent. The sample size had a 95 per cent confidence level and a 2.3 per cent margin of error.”

The top five performing senators include John Methu (Nyandarua) who emerged the best having scored 68 per cent, followed Joe Nyutu (Murang’a, 67.3), John Kinyua (Laikipia 66.9), Karungo Wa Thangwa (Kiambu 65.1) while Wahome Wamatinga (Nyeri) was ranked position five with 64.7 per cent.

Nakuru Senator Tabitha Karanja emerged position six with 63.6 per cent followed by James Kamau (Kirinyaga, 61.2) while Alexander Mundigi (Embu) was ranked position eight after scoring 54.8 per cent. The bottom two are Tharaka Nithi’s Mwanda Gataya and Meru’s Kathuri Murungi who scored 56.5 per cent and 54.2 per cent respectively.

In the Woman Rep league, Nyeri’s Rahab Mukami emerged top with 64.8 per cent, followed by Betty Maina (Murang,’a, 64.8), Njeri Maina (Kirinyaga) was ranked third with 63.1 per cent while Kiambu’s Ann Wa Muratha and Laikipia’s Jane Kagiri were ranked fourth and fifth position after scoring 62.3 percent and 61 percent respectively.

Bottom five include Tharaka Nithi’s Susan Ngugi with 59.2 percent, Nakuru County’s Liza Chelule with 57.4 per cent, Embu’s Njoki Njeru with 48.1 per cent while Meru’s Elizabeth Karambu is ranked the worst at 45.5 percent.

On MPs performances, Kiharu’s Ndindi Nyoro emerged the best with 74.3 per cent followed by Githunguri’s Gathoni Wamuchomba with 71.8 per cent while Gilgil MP Martha Wangari was ranked third with 68.5 percent.

Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri and Thika Town MP Alice Ng’ang’a took the fourth and fifth positions having scored 66.3 and 65.1 per cent respectively.

Others in the top 10 include Bahati’s Irene Mrembo who scored 64.2 per cent, Ol Kalou’s David Kiaraho with 62 per cent, Njoro’s Charity Chepkwony with 61.6 per cent, Ndaragwa’s George Gachagua with 59.2 per cent while Molo’s Kimani Kuria scored 58.8 per cent.