Sifuna Ties Ruto at 31% in New TIFA Poll as 2027 Presidential Race Heats Up
According to the poll, Sifuna’s support has increased from 15 per cent in June 2026 to 31 per cent in November, placing him level with Ruto.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna is giving President William Ruto a major challenge in Kenya’s 2027 presidential race, with the latest TIFA opinion poll placing both leaders at 31% support. The November 12, 2026 survey by Trends and Insights For Africa (TIFA) highlights Sifuna’s growing political influence as he matches the incumbent in voter preference. With the 2027 General Election approaching, the latest figures signal an increasingly competitive presidential contest and raise fresh questions about the country's changing political landscape.Photo: Capital FM.
By Robert Mutasi
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has emerged as a leading contender in Kenya’s 2027 presidential race after a new opinion poll placed him neck and neck with President William Ruto.
The latest survey by Trends and Insights For Africa (TIFA), released on Thursday, November 12, 2026, shows both Ruto and Sifuna commanding 31 per cent support among Kenyans asked about their preferred presidential candidate.
The findings mark a significant shift in the political landscape, with Sifuna recording a dramatic rise in popularity while the incumbent President continues to rebuild his support ahead of the August 2027 General Election.
According to the poll, Sifuna’s support has increased from 15 per cent in June 2026 to 31 per cent in November, placing him level with Ruto.
The Nairobi Senator had previously recorded no measurable support in several earlier survey rounds between August 2022 and November 2025.
President Ruto, meanwhile, has also registered an improvement, rising from 24 per cent in June to 31 per cent in the latest findings.
The survey places former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka in third position with nine per cent support, followed by former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i at five per cent.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua trails with four per cent, while 15 per cent of respondents remain undecided. Another four per cent declined to disclose their preferred candidate.
Sifuna’s Growing Political Influence
Sifuna’s rising popularity comes amid growing political disagreements within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), particularly over the party’s relationship with President Ruto’s administration.
The Nairobi Senator has increasingly positioned himself as a prominent opposition voice, attracting attention through his criticism of government policies and calls for greater accountability.
His growing national profile has also coincided with increased political mobilisation among younger Kenyans, particularly those concerned about the cost of living, unemployment, taxation and governance.
Meanwhile, Ruto’s improved numbers suggest that the President retains a significant support base as he prepares to seek another term.
Opposition Leaders Face Growing Competition
The latest TIFA findings also reveal declining support for several established opposition figures.
Kalonzo Musyoka, who previously recorded 25 per cent support in November 2025, now stands at nine per cent.
Matiang’i and Gachagua have also recorded relatively low figures, highlighting the changing dynamics within the opposition.
With the 2027 General Election approaching, the findings point to an increasingly competitive presidential contest, although a substantial number of voters have yet to settle on their preferred candidate.
Kenya’s next presidential election is scheduled for August 2027, and the latest survey suggests that the political contest could take a different direction as emerging leaders challenge established political figures.
The figures represent voter preferences at the time of the survey and do not determine the eventual election outcome.
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