A recent opinion poll conducted by the Politrack Research Team has revealed that President William Ruto is leading in the 2027 presidential race in Kenya. The survey, which took place between September 15 and 25, 2026, gathered responses from potential voters across the country. Ruto received 45.1% of the responses, making him the top choice among the candidates. The poll also found that 8.4% of respondents were undecided.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna emerged as the second-most preferred candidate, recording 19.6% of the responses. Sifuna has been increasingly active in opposition mobilisation, particularly through the Linda Mwananchi movement and its grassroots activities across the country. His strong showing in the poll is seen as a significant development in the lead-up to the 2027 General Election. Sifuna's rating placed him ahead of several established political figures included in the survey.
The survey also found that Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka followed with 10.3% of the responses, while former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i received 7.2%. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua registered 6.0% support. Other candidates recorded smaller percentages, with Prof George Wajackoyah at 1.1%, while former Justice and presidential hopefuls Martha Karua and David Maraga each received 0.8%. Siaya Governor James Orengo polled at 0.4%, while businessman Jimmy Wanjigi recorded 0.3%.
The Politrack Research Team used a text-based technology platform to conduct the survey nationwide, inviting sampled potential voters to participate and respond to questions at their convenience. A total of 20,419 people participated in the exercise, with a reported 95% confidence level and a margin of error of plus or minus three percentage points. The research firm noted that the findings reflect the views of the respondents who participated during the specified period and may change as political alliances, candidate nominations, and voter preferences evolve.
The survey comes amid increased political activity ahead of the 2027 General Election, with potential presidential candidates stepping up grassroots mobilisation and political formations exploring possible alliances. Ruto has continued touring different parts of the country, attending project launches, commissioning infrastructure, and inspecting government projects as his administration works to consolidate support ahead of the next election.
Meanwhile, opposition figures have been expanding their own grassroots networks as they seek to establish political alliances and potential presidential campaigns. The Linda Mwananchi movement, associated with Sifuna, has been gaining traction, with the senator's activities aimed at mobilising support for the opposition. The movement's name was recently reserved by the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal, following a challenge to the Registrar of Political Parties' decision to decline the reservation.
The 2027 General Election is expected to be a significant event in Kenya's political landscape, with various candidates and political formations vying for support. The Politrack Research Team's survey provides insight into the current preferences of potential voters, but also notes that voter preferences may change as the election approaches. Key points from the survey include Ruto's lead with 45.1% of the responses, Sifuna's second place with 19.6%, and 8.4% of respondents being undecided.
Key points
- President William Ruto leads in the 2027 presidential race with 45.1% of the responses.
- Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna emerges as the second-most preferred candidate with 19.6%.
- The survey had a 95% confidence level and a margin of error of plus or minus three percentage points.
