A recent national poll conducted by Swiss Poll International has ranked Kalonzo Musyoka as the top opposition presidential choice ahead of the 2027 General Election in Kenya. The survey, which sampled over 4,000 respondents across the country, showed that Musyoka has 45% support. This makes him the most preferred opposition candidate for the 2027 presidential race. The poll was carried out between November 5 and 10, 2026, using telephonic interviews to reach 4,113 respondents.
Edwin Sifuna, leader of the Linda Mwananchi Movement, emerged as the second-strongest contender in the survey with 28% support. This positions him as a significant challenger within the opposition field. Musyoka finished 17 percentage points ahead of Sifuna, indicating a clear lead. The poll was conducted at a 95% confidence level with a margin of error of ±3%. This suggests that the contest for the opposition's presidential ticket remains competitive despite Musyoka's lead.
Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i came third in the survey with 11% support. He has been building a political profile since leaving the Cabinet. Matiang'i's double-digit support underscores his growing presence in the race. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who was impeached in October 2024, registered 9% support. This reflects his continued relevance within certain voter blocs despite his removal from office.
Kandara MP Ndindi Nyoro rounded out the named candidates with 4% support. All other contenders collectively accounted for the remaining 3% support. Swiss Poll International noted that Musyoka's advantage over the field makes him well-positioned heading into the period ahead of the 2027 General Election. This is particularly significant if the opposition fields a single flagbearer.
The survey results suggest that the opposition presidential race is taking shape. Musyoka's clear lead and Sifuna's significant support indicate that the contest will be competitive. The performance of other candidates, including Matiang'i and Gachagua, will likely influence the dynamics of the race.
The poll results have implications for the opposition's strategy ahead of the 2027 General Election. Musyoka's lead may influence the opposition's decision on whether to field a single candidate or multiple candidates. The opposition will need to consider the survey results as they plan their campaign.
The survey was conducted by Swiss Poll International, a reputable polling organization. The results are based on a large sample size of over 4,000 respondents. The poll has a high level of confidence and a small margin of error. This suggests that the results are reliable and reflective of the current state of the opposition presidential race.
Key points
- Kalonzo Musyoka leads the opposition presidential race with 45% support.
- Edwin Sifuna is the second-strongest contender with 28% support.
- The opposition presidential race is expected to be competitive ahead of the 2027 General Election.
