TIFA Reveals Why Kindiki Leads Race to Be Ruto’s 2027 Running Mate
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki is the preferred choice to remain President William Ruto’s running mate in the 2027 General Election, according to a new survey by Trends and Insights for Africa (Tifa) Research.
The survey found that the 53-year-old law professor received 59 per cent support from respondents, placing him well ahead of other figures mentioned as possible deputy presidential candidates. The findings suggest strong backing for continuity within the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
The poll comes amid growing calls from some Kenya Kwanza leaders for Ruto to consider a different running mate ahead of the next election. Leaders from the Western region and politicians linked to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), which is engaged in coalition discussions with UDA, have been among those linked to the debate.
However, the survey showed limited public support for ODM-aligned candidates.
ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga was the closest challenger with 12 percent support. Oburu Oginga and Cabinet Secretary for the Blue Economy Hassan Joho each recorded 3 percent support.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi received 2 percent, while National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula registered 1 percent. Tifa said the results reflected voter preference for stability within Ruto’s political camp as preparations for the 2027 election continue.
The findings were released as divisions within ODM continue to shape the party’s political direction. The “Linda Ground” faction, linked to Oburu Oginga, has expressed support for closer cooperation with UDA.
In contrast, the “Linda Mwananchi” faction led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna remains opposed to a coalition agreement with the ruling party. The survey also examined possible opposition alliances ahead of the election.
A ticket featuring Kalonzo Musyoka and former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i attracted 31 percent support, making it the most popular opposition combination in the poll. A Kalonzo-Sifuna partnership followed with 28 percent support, while a ticket involving Rigathi Gachagua and Kalonzo received 25 percent.
Respondents were not asked to state which candidate would lead the ticket in each scenario. Among undecided voters, the Kalonzo-Sifuna option recorded the highest support at 24 percent.
The Kalonzo-Matiang’i pairing attracted 12 percent support from undecided respondents, while the Gachagua-Kalonzo combination received 10 percent.
