Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has emerged as the clear front-runner to be President William Ruto’s running mate in the 2027 General Election, according to a new national survey.
Findings released by TIFA show that a majority of Ruto’s supporters prefer Kindiki to remain on the ticket, giving him a commanding 59 per cent support, far ahead of any other potential candidates.
The closest contender, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, trails at just 12 per cent, with other senior political figures such as Hassan Joho, Musalia Mudavadi and Moses Wetang’ula registering minimal support(less than 5%).
The survey suggests that voters within the Kenya Kwanza camp are leaning heavily towards continuity, with Kindiki seen as the most acceptable and stable option heading into the next election cycle.
His strong showing comes at a time when the country’s political landscape remains fluid, with alliances still taking shape and opposition figures yet to consolidate behind a single presidential candidate.
The data says the numbers could strengthen Kindiki’s position within government ranks and influence early calculations around the 2027 ticket, even as President Ruto maintains a clear lead in the presidential race.
The survey also paints a broader picture of a political landscape still in flux. While Ruto leads the 2027 presidential race with 24 per cent support, no single candidate commands a dominant national following, highlighting a fragmented opposition field.
Opposition figures including Kalonzo Musyoka, Fred Matiang’i, Edwin Sifuna and Rigathi Gachagua all register notable but divided support, suggesting that coalition-building will be critical ahead of the polls.
At the party level, the data shows shifting loyalties, with support for both ODM and UDA declining compared to 2022 levels, even as the DCP party gains ground, rising to 16 per cent.
The survey further reveals growing public scepticism towards the Broad-Based Government arrangement between Ruto and ODM, with 56 per cent of Kenyans expressing opposition to it.
Taken together, the findings suggest that while the presidential race remains open and competitive, Ruto’s base is already consolidating around Kindiki as his preferred deputy.
With more than a year to the General Election, the poll offers an early glimpse into how alliances may shape up, placing Kindiki at the centre of the ruling coalition’s strategy going forward.
