A recent survey by the Politrack Research Team has placed President William Ruto at the top of the presidential preference poll with 45.1%. The survey, conducted between September 15 and 25, 2026, gathered responses from 20,419 participants across the country. The poll aimed to gauge which presidential candidate respondents would vote for at the time. Ruto's significant lead is followed by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna with 19.6%.
Kalonzo Musyoka, a former Vice President, came third in the poll with 10.3%. Other notable candidates include former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i with 7.2% and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua with 6.0%. The poll also revealed that 8.4% of respondents were undecided, making them the largest group outside the candidates who expressed a preference.
The Politrack survey used a text-based technology platform to collect data, allowing sampled users to participate and answer prompted questions at their convenience. The survey reported a 95% confidence level and a margin of error of +/-3 percentage points. This methodological approach ensured a wide reach and a high degree of accuracy in the results.
Other presidential hopefuls received significantly smaller shares in the poll. Prof George Wajackoyah received 1.1%, while PLP leader Martha Karua and former Chief Justice David Maraga each recorded 0.8%. Siaya Governor James Orengo received 0.4%, and businessman Jimmy Wanjigi polled 0.3%. The remaining respondents were accounted for by the survey's reported categories.
The findings of the Politrack survey come as political activity intensifies ahead of the 2027 General Election. Presidential hopefuls are stepping up mobilisation efforts, and political parties and movements are holding consultations over possible alliances. Ruto has been actively touring the country, launching, commissioning, and inspecting government projects to build support for his re-election bid.
Sifuna has also been intensifying his political activities through the Linda Mwananchi movement, positioning himself as a potential presidential contender. His showing in the Politrack survey puts him ahead of several established presidential hopefuls, including Kalonzo, Matiang'i, and Gachagua. Gachagua has been conducting political mobilisation through his Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), including an extended tour of the United States.
As the 2027 General Election approaches, political formations are exploring possible arrangements and alliances. Kalonzo has been consulting with opposition leaders, while other candidates continue to mobilise support. The Politrack survey provides valuable insights into the current state of presidential preferences in Kenya, highlighting the competitive nature of the upcoming election.
Key points
- President William Ruto leads the presidential preference poll with 45.1%.
- Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna comes second with 19.6%.
- Kalonzo Musyoka comes third with 10.3%.
