Swiss Poll Shakes Up 2027 Race: Ruto Leads, Kalonzo Tops Opposition as Sifuna Gains Among Youth

NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya’s political landscape is entering a critical phase ahead of the 2027 General Election, with emerging polling figures pointing to a competitive presidential race in which alliances could ultimately determine the outcome.

A new Swiss poll places President William Ruto at 31 percent of stated presidential voting intentions, down from 36 percent in March, suggesting a decline in his individual support as the election approaches.

Among opposition figures, former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka leads with 41 percent, followed by Edwin Sifuna at 26 percent, former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i at 17 percent, and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at 9 percent. A further 8 percent of respondents remain undecided.

The figures give Kalonzo the strongest numerical position among those seeking the opposition presidential ticket, although the poll also highlights a significant generational shift in political preferences.

Sifuna appears particularly strong among younger voters, with 58 percent of his supporters aged between 18 and 35, potentially positioning him as a major factor in the opposition succession debate.

On party popularity, the poll places ODM at 23 percent, followed closely by respondents with no party preference at 22 percent. UDA records 20 percent, while the Democratic Congress Party (DCP) stands at 15 percent, with Wiper and Jubilee registering 9 percent and 7 percent, respectively.

With the 2027 contest increasingly taking shape, the findings point to a race where personal popularity, youth support, party structures and coalition-building could prove just as important as individual poll numbers.

The big question now: Can the opposition convert Kalonzo’s numerical lead and Sifuna’s youth appeal into a unified political force capable of challenging Ruto in 2027?