With the 2027 General Election looming, opposition leaders are gearing up to challenge President William Ruto, who is seeking a second term.
Among the opposition leaders eyeing the presidential seat are former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, and former Chief Justice David Maraga.
Nonetheless, the United Opposition is yet to name their flagbearer, who will ultimately challenge the President in his quest for a second term.
On December 10, Mizani Africa shared a poll on social media showing which opposition candidate Kenyans prefer to face President Ruto.
According to the poll, 39.6% of Kenyans prefer Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka to lead the opposition team, while Fred Matiang’i comes second with 22.5%.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is third with 13.1%, followed by David Maraga (3.9%), Martha Karua (2.4%), and Eugene Wamalwa (2.1%).
Others include Eugene Wamalwa (1.6%) and Okiya Omtatah (1.4%), while 13.4% of Kenyans are yet to decide on their preferred opposition flagbearer.
Of the 39.6% supporting Kalonzo, the majority comes from Lower Eastern, where he enjoys 73.9% backing. He also commands significant support in Nairobi (42.9%), Rift Valley (40.9%), Coast (40.7%), and Mt. Kenya (34.1%).
Mizani Africa noted that the former Vice President’s consistent cross-regional appeal places him ahead of his opposition colleagues.
The United Opposition is expected to name a sole presidential candidate in late 2026, just a few months before the election.
While speaking on December 7, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua insisted that the opposition is still in the deliberation stage and that a flagbearer to challenge President William Ruto will be unveiled in due course.
