Keny: Deputy President Ruto at loggerheads with IPSOS synovate for naming him corrupt

By Samuel Ouma [caption id="attachment_51606" align="alignleft" width="614"] Deputy President William Ruto[/caption] Deputy president William Ruto has defied IPSOS Synovate opinion polls indicating that he is the most corrupt leader in Kenya noting that the opinions were concocted by his adversaries. On Wednesday, August 22, 2018 IPSOS Synovate researcher Tom Wolf when he divulged that 33% of Kenyans perceive the deputy president is leading in corruption while 31% chose Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru. The research conducted between July and August rated former president Daniel Moi at 17%, President Uhuru Kenyatta at 11%, former president Mwai Kibaki and opposition leader Raila Odinga at 5% each. The survey further revealed that 51% of those who were surveyed have confidence on the ongoing crackdown on graft while 71% are casting their doubts whether those complicated in corruption. They believe that fight on graft is targeting the minor suspects while the big fishes are walking free. Addressing residents of Ogembo, in Kisii County (Western part of the country), Ruto said he will not be dissuaded from pursuing his aspirations despite intensive effort to destroy his reputation. He vowed to gear towards achieving the Big Four Agenda which include Manufacturing, Universal healthcare, affordable housing and food security. “I want to give them free advice-let them prepare very well. Once they are done in publishing fake polls and fake news, they can come so that we can compete on issues that concern the common people and I will tutor them,” said Ruto. Ruto’s response came barely a day after his press secretary David Mugonyi rubbished the survey. Mugonyi linked the polls to political rivalry and corruption perception to produce distorted opinions to malign the deputy president’s name by sponsors. He said those pushing for the amendments of Constitution to bar Ruto from contesting for presidency in 2022 are behind the reports. “At a time when people are so desperate that they want to amend the constitution to bar him from running for presidency, it should not shock anyone that a survey like this would be concocted,” read his statement. Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, who was linked with a loss of sh.791 million at National Youth Service who was ranked the second most corrupt by the reports promised to sue the firm. He challenged anybody with evidence to present to it the Ethics Anti- Corruption Commission. “I think they are advancing a political agenda; there can be nothing other than that. If they have any evidence let them take it the Directorate of Criminal Investigations or the Director of Public Prosecutions so that action can be taken!” She said. Meanwhile, Tom Wolf, IPOSOS Synovate researcher, defended his reports saying they reflect the true perception of Kenyans. He added that the survey report was not based on his own perceptions instead on Kenyans views on what is affecting the country.