A recent Mizani Africa poll has revealed that Wiper Democratic Movement leader Kalonzo Musyoka is the preferred opposition flagbearer for the 2027 General Election in Kenya, with 37.2% of the respondents supporting him. The survey, published on September 25, 2026, measured preferences for a potential opposition presidential flagbearer to replace President William Ruto. The poll results provide a snapshot of voter preferences, but do not determine who will ultimately represent the opposition in the 2027 election.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna came in second with 19.7%, while former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i received 12.9%. Other notable opposition leaders, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, polled 6.4% and 5.1%, respectively. Former Chief Justice David Maraga recorded 2.2%, Martha Karua 0.7%, and Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah 0.4%. A significant 15.4% of respondents said they were undecided about their preferred opposition flagbearer.
The poll results come amid efforts by Sifuna's allies to establish a political vehicle for his presidential ambitions. Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya announced on September 24, 2026, that Sifuna would use the United Democratic Party (UDP) as his platform in the 2027 presidential contest. Natembeya, associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement alongside Sifuna, said opposition parties would eventually negotiate to agree on a single presidential candidate.
Kalonzo's camp has been exploring a possible arrangement in which Kalonzo would lead the presidential ticket, with Sifuna as his running mate. Reports indicate that the group plans to unveil this ticket in October 2026. This proposal illustrates the different approaches being pursued within the opposition ahead of the 2027 election. Kalonzo's camp has been holding consultations on a possible joint opposition ticket, while Sifuna's allies have been working on his political vehicle and broader coalition-building efforts.
Recent polling has also tested possible opposition pairings, with a Mizani Africa survey finding that the Kalonzo-Sifuna combination received 40.8% support when respondents were asked about preferred opposition tickets. In a separate presidential-preference question, President Ruto polled 38.7%, followed by Kalonzo at 27.5%, and Sifuna at 13.2%.
The pollster did not disclose its methodology, sample size, or margin of error, making these figures a snapshot of stated preferences rather than an election forecast. The wider political landscape in Kenya remains unsettled, with several opposition formations continuing to discuss possible alliances, presidential candidates, and coalition arrangements ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The competing proposals within the opposition highlight the complexities of Kenya's political landscape. As the 2027 election approaches, various leaders and parties are positioning themselves for potential alliances and coalitions. The Mizani Africa poll provides insight into voter preferences, but the ultimate outcome of the opposition's candidate selection process remains uncertain.
Key points
- Kalonzo Musyoka leads opposition flagbearer poll with 37.2%.
- Edwin Sifuna comes in second with 19.7%.
- The opposition's candidate selection process for the 2027 election remains ongoing and uncertain.
