Early 2027 Survey- Ruto Maintains Lead As Sifuna Surges Into Second Spot

President William Ruto holds a commanding lead in early presidential preference rankings while the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) remains Kenya’s most popular political party, according to a nation-wide survey by Politrack Africa.

The survey, conducted between September 15 and 25 across all 47 counties among 20,419 respondents, places President Ruto comfortably at the top with 45.1% support. In a notable political shift, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna emerged as the primary challenger in second place with 19.6%. Sifuna placed ahead of veteran opposition leaders including Kalonzo Musyoka (10.3%), former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i (7.2%), and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua (6.0%). Around 8.4% of voters remained undecided.

On the party popularity front, UDA maintains the lead with 32.0% support. It is followed by the Democratic Congress Party (DCP) at 11.7% and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) at 10.6%, with Jubilee and Wiper trailing at 6.9% and 5.6% respectively.

Despite President Ruto’s commanding numbers, the findings reflect a nation closely divided over the country’s trajectory. Exactly 45.2% of respondents believe Kenya is moving in the right direction, while 44.6% feel it is heading the wrong way. Key government infrastructure initiatives, including affordable housing and roads (16.3% each), were praised as primary successes. Conversely, the administration faces criticism over its anti-corruption efforts (19.2%), healthcare management under SHIF/SHA (18.4%), and the high cost of living (12.0%).

Politrack Africa emphasized that while UDA retains strong pluralities in the Rift Valley and parts of Mount Kenya, the findings represent a snapshot of the current political mood rather than an official forecast for the 2027 General Election.