A poll new poll released the Nation Media Group on Wednesday, May 11, highlighted blunders made by Azimio presidential flag-bearer Raila Odinga and his Kenya Kwanza counterpart William Ruto in their campaigns.
The poll by Infrotrak, a research company, showed that Raila and the Deputy President have been putting their focus on issues which were the least concern by the electorate including corruption, education, infrastructure, national unity, and covid-19 pandemic.
The two presidential hopefuls have been having a go at each other, trading accusations with a hope that it would taint the opponent's image, yet Kenyan voters do not care much.
For instance, the former Prime Minister has accused the UDA party leader and his political friends of being directly or indirectly involved in graft- which is a concern by only eight per cent of the respondents.
"The question of integrity and corruption has been the subject of discussion at various national and leadership forums, but among the voters, it ranks lowly," read the findings in part.
Odinga has accused the DP and his associates of looting money from public coffers and subsequently using it to finance campaigns. In his campaigns, he not only promised to seal the loopholes used to defraud Kenyans but also jail leaders found culpable.
On the other hand, the Kenya Kwanza brigade has accused the Azimio of benefiting from the funds meant to fight the pandemic, through irregular awarding of tenders at KEMSA.
Ruto, who opines that Odinga was fanning economic inequality, quoting the one man, one vote, one shilling as pushed for in the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), only appeals to 11 of every 100 Kenyans.
Notably, President Uhuru Kenyatta's number two and his handshake partner have tried to sell their political formations as parties that will realise national unity and infrastructure growth which are a concern for only 10 and five per cent respectively.
Nonetheless, both leaders have been tactical in speaking about unemployment, development and the cost of living in the country which is the top three concerns.
On May 10, the ODM leader promised to create 16.4 million jobs for the informal jua kali industry by implementing the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) that would see them get certification for their skills, translating into jobs.
On his part, Ruto has promised to create four million jobs every year if elected President. Both leaders have also promised to improve the access to funds by small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
While the two have promised to address the high cost of living, Ruto has been the bolder, taking his boss head-on. He called out Uhuru for working with well-connected companies to cause the artificial fuel shortage witnessed in the country in March.
With 50 years in government in between them, the two have ridden on each of their development records to show the electorate that they are the best pic.
