Summary:
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has advised Cabinet Secretaries to dismiss the significance of opinion polls, emphasizing the need to concentrate on their responsibilities. During the launch of the Riruta-Ngong Commuter Rail line in Kajiado County, Gachagua urged senior government officials to ignore unnecessary noise, highlighting that prioritizing their duties is crucial for realizing the Kenya Kwanza agenda.
In a notable address during the launch of the Riruta-Ngong Commuter Rail line in Ngong, Kajiado County, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua urged Cabinet Secretaries to disregard opinion polls evaluating their performance and that of the government. Gachagua emphasized the importance of focusing on their roles and avoiding distractions from the chatter of public opinion.
Stressing the potential impact of undue attention to such polls, Gachagua stated, “If you listen to these people making noise, you will get stuck. If the President and I listen to the people making noise, the country will grind to a halt.” He underscored the necessity for senior government officials to remain committed to their duties in order to deliver on the Kenya Kwanza agenda.
Gachagua expressed skepticism towards the credibility of opinion polls, asserting, “We have never been persuaded by those opinion polls, and we are not about to start listening to them.” He urged government officials to focus on their assigned tasks, emphasizing that the success of the administration lies in steadfast commitment to responsibilities.
Referring to a recent poll that suggested dissatisfaction among Hustlers, Gachagua questioned the reliability of such polls. He highlighted a perceived contradiction, citing the same poll ranking UDA as the most popular political party, with 31% support from Kenyans. Gachagua pointed out the paradox, questioning how UDA could be the most popular party if the same poll indicated dissatisfaction among its supporters.
In reference to the TIFA Research poll released on December 12, 2023, Gachagua disputed its findings, particularly regarding the discontent among Kenya Kwanza supporters. The poll also ranked UDA as the most popular political party, surpassing its rival, the Orange Democratic Movement, which garnered a 22% popularity rating. Gachagua’s call to disregard opinion polls reflects a broader sentiment within the government to stay focused on their duties amidst public scrutiny.