A report by Infotrak, a leading research and consulting company, ranked Gen Zs top among candidates considered national heroes in Kenya.
According to the survey released on Wednesday, 23 percent of Kenyans believe that Gen Zs 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.
Kenya’s Opposition Chief Raila Odinga ranked as second after scoring an 18 percent preference rating followed by Athlete Faith Kipyegon (11 per cent). He was followed by President William Ruto and his embattled deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, who tied with 8 per cent.
According to Infotrak, Raila’s influence was especially pronounced in Nyanza (30%), his political stronghold, as well as Western (23%) and Coast (22%). His long-standing role in Kenyan politics and his continued push for reforms and democracy resonated with many. Kenyans rated Kipyegon based on her remarkable achievements in athletics.
On the Political Arena
Gachagua and Ruto tied with Babu Owino as 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."
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta followed suit with 7 per cent ranking, followed closely by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka at 5 percent.
Activist Morara Kebaso, who has been very active and vocal about economic justice, garnered 3 percent support and tied with Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge and former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i.
Senator Okiya Omtata came in at 2 percent holding ties with Deputy President designate Kithure Kindiki.
Others who had a 1 percent rating on the heroes list include comedian Eric Omondi, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Murang’a counterpart Irungu Kang’ata and Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka.
Most Influential
Separately, the Infotrak Survey also found that Raila is the most influential leader in Kenya with 23 percent ranking followed by Ruto at 7 percent, Gachagua at 6 percent, Gen Z's and Babu Owino tying at 5 percent, Morara at 4 per cent and Omondi closing at 3 percent.
''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 percent, and Sifuna, Omtata, Kindiki, Nyoro, Matiang'i, among others, each received 1 percent.
Ruto going head to head with his impeached Deputy Gachagua comes at a time the two do not see eye to eye owing to the heightened political tensions between them.
