A recent survey conducted by the Politrack Research Team has placed President William Ruto at the top of presidential preference ahead of the 2027 General Election in Kenya. The survey, which took place between September 15 and 25, 2026, gathered responses from over 20,000 participants across the country. Ruto secured 45.1% of respondents' preference, a commanding lead over the field. This poll indicates a strong showing for the incumbent president.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna made a notable entry as the second most preferred candidate, with 19.6% of the respondents supporting him. Sifuna's performance placed him ahead of more established opposition figures, including Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who recorded 10.3%. Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i polled 7.2%, while former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua registered 6.0%.
The survey also revealed that a significant share of respondents remained undecided, with 8.4% of the participants not expressing a clear preference. Other presidential hopefuls attracted comparatively modest support, with Prof George Wajackoyah receiving 1.1%, while PLP leader Martha Karua and former Chief Justice David Maraga each polled 0.8%. Siaya Governor James Orengo received 0.4%, and businessman Jimmy Wanjigi polled 0.3%.
The Politrack survey reached potential voters across all regions of the country through a text-based technology platform. Sampled users were invited to participate and respond to prompted questions at their own convenience. A total of 20,419 people took part in the exercise, with Politrack reporting a confidence level of 95% and a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.
The results of the survey come at a time of growing political activity ahead of the 2027 General Election, with presidential hopefuls intensifying their grassroots mobilisation and political parties exploring possible coalition arrangements. President Ruto has been actively traversing the country, attending project launches, commissionings, and inspections as part of a broader effort to consolidate public support before the next vote.
In other news, the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) has set aside the decision by the Registrar of Political Parties declining to reserve the name Linda Mwananchi Movement and ordered the Registrar to reserve the name within seven days. The Tribunal found that the Registrar’s decision was without legal justification and amounted to a denial of the applicants’ right to form or participate in the formation of a political party.
The survey's findings and the Tribunal's decision reflect the dynamic nature of Kenya's political landscape as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election. Key players are positioning themselves for the contest, and emerging candidates like Edwin Sifuna are making their presence felt. The election is set to be a significant event in Kenya's political calendar.
Key points
- President William Ruto leads in the 2027 presidential poll with 45.1% of respondents' preference.
- Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna emerges as the second preferred candidate with 19.6%.
- The survey had a confidence level of 95% and a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.
