Kindiki retains strong lead as preferred DP candidate for Ruto’s 2027 bid

The survey was conducted between May 2 and May 11, 2026, through household face-to-face interviews involving 2,013 randomly selected Kenyan adults across all 47 counties. 

According to the survey, 59 per cent of respondents who support Ruto’s re-election bid identified Kindiki as their preferred deputy presidential candidate.

He was followed by Gladys Wanga at 12 per cent, while Oburu Odinga and Hassan Joho each recorded 3 per cent support.

According to the survey, Kindiki’s dominance reflects what TIFA described as a strong voter preference for continuity and stability within Ruto’s political camp as the country gradually shifts focus toward the 2027 election.

The pollster further noted that Kindiki is viewed by many respondents as the “most politically acceptable deputy option,” giving him a considerable lead over other figures linked to the broad-based government arrangement.

“ODM-associated leaders attract relatively limited support for the running mate position,” the report stated, suggesting that a section of Ruto supporters still prefer a deputy drawn from within his core political base rather than from opposition-aligned figures incorporated into government.

The survey also indicated that other potential candidates trail far behind Kindiki, with Wanga emerging as the second most frequently mentioned name, though at only about one-fifth of Kindiki’s support level.

The findings come amid growing political realignments and speculation over how alliances within the Kenya Kwanza administration and the broader political landscape could shape the 2027 presidential race.