Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has emerged as the Opposition’s most popular presidential contender, according to a new Trends and Insights For Africa (TIFA) opinion poll released on Friday, July 24.
The survey shows that Sifuna’s support for the 2027 presidential race rose to 15 per cent in June 2026, marking a five-percentage-point increase from May.
The latest figures place him second overall behind President William Ruto, who remains the country’s most preferred presidential candidate with 24 per cent support.
Sifuna Leads Opposition Pack as Ruto Maintains Overall Lead. Photo: Courtesy.
TIFA noted that although the Opposition vote remains divided among several leaders, Sifuna has recorded the fastest growth in popularity over the past year, rising from minimal support in 2025 to become one of the leading opposition figures.
Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i ranked third overall and second within the Opposition with 14 per cent, overtaking Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who garnered 13 per cent support.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua followed with 7 per cent, while Embakasi East MP Babu Owino registered 2 per cent support.
The poll also showed that Kalonzo experienced the sharpest decline among the leading presidential hopefuls, losing six percentage points over the past month.
Gachagua’s popularity also dipped by two percentage points during the same period.
Despite maintaining the lead, President Ruto could face a stronger challenge in 2027 if Opposition parties unite behind a single presidential candidate.
The survey further found that 20 per cent of Kenyans remain undecided on whom they would support in the August 2027 General Election.
Among ODM supporters, Sifuna emerged as the preferred presidential candidate, attracting 44 per cent support compared to 20 per cent for President Ruto despite the party’s cooperation with the Kenya Kwanza administration under the broad-based arrangement.
The poll also found that a majority of ODM supporters back the Linda Mwananchi faction associated with Sifuna over the rival faction aligned with ODM leader Oburu Oginga.
According to the findings, 73 per cent support the Linda Mwananchi faction, while 24 per cent favour the alternative group, indicating growing support for Sifuna’s position within the party.
