NAIROBI, Kenya—A proposed presidential ticket pairing Wiper Patriotic Front (WPF) leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has emerged as the most preferred United Opposition combination ahead of the 2027 General Election, according to a new Infotrak opinion survey.
The poll places the Kalonzo-Sifuna pairing ahead of other possible opposition alliances, signalling growing public interest in a political formula that combines long political experience with a younger generation of leadership.
According to recent survey, the Kalonzo-Sifuna ticket attracted 23 per cent support among respondents, emerging as the most popular combination tested by the research firm.
A possible ticket featuring Kalonzo Musyoka and former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i came second with 16 per cent support, while a Matiang’i-Kalonzo pairing where the former CS takes the presidential slot recorded 15 per cent.
The least preferred among the leading opposition combinations was a ticket bringing together Matiang’i and Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua, which received five per cent support.
Kalonzo Leads Opposition
Beyond coalition combinations, the Infotrak survey also examined individual preference for the United Opposition presidential flagbearer.
WPF leader Kalonzo Musyoka emerged as the most preferred opposition presidential candidate with 27 per cent support, narrowly beating Matiang’i, who recorded 26 per cent.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna ranked third with 19 per cent, while former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua followed with nine per cent.
The findings place Sifuna among the leading opposition figures being considered for the country’s top political office, despite his relatively recent entry into national elective politics.
Sifuna’s Rising
The poll comes amid growing attention on Sifuna’s political trajectory as he positions himself as a key voice in Kenya’s opposition politics.
The Nairobi Senator, who is associated with the Linda Mwananchi political movement, has gained prominence through his outspoken positions on governance, accountability and issues affecting ordinary citizens.
His rise has also coincided with internal changes within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), where he previously served as Secretary General and became one of the party’s most recognisable national figures.
Sifuna’s growing popularity among sections of voters, particularly younger Kenyans, has sparked debate on whether the country is witnessing the emergence of a new generation of political leadership ahead of 2027.
The Infotrak findings come as opposition leaders continue discussions on how to build a united front capable of challenging President William Ruto in the next General Election.
Kalonzo Musyoka, who has been a central figure in opposition politics for more than two decades, has repeatedly positioned himself as a national leader capable of bringing together different political formations.
A potential partnership with Sifuna would represent a combination of political experience and generational appeal — bringing together Kalonzo’s long national political career and Sifuna’s growing influence among younger voters.
However, opposition unity remains a key challenge, with different political actors seeking influence within a possible coalition.
The Youth Factor
Sifuna’s emergence in the poll comes at a time when young voters are expected to play a decisive role in the 2027 election.
The political participation of Generation Z, particularly during the 2024 demonstrations against the Finance Bill, reshaped national conversations around leadership, accountability and governance.
Political observers have argued that any successful 2027 coalition will need to appeal beyond traditional political bases and address concerns around employment, the cost of living, corruption and public accountability.
Although the Infotrak findings offer insight into current voter sentiment, they represent a snapshot of public opinion and not a final prediction of the 2027 election outcome.
Kenya’s political landscape has historically witnessed major shifts closer to elections as alliances are formed, parties negotiate power-sharing arrangements and candidates build nationwide campaigns.
With more than a year remaining before the General Election, political formations are expected to undergo further changes as leaders position themselves for the contest.
For Sifuna, however, the survey marks a significant moment in his political journey, placing him among the opposition figures shaping conversations around Kenya’s next presidential race.
