Ruto Tightens Grip as TIFA Poll Gives UDA Camp Early 2027 Edge

President William Samoei Ruto has emerged as the early frontrunner in the 2027 presidential race, according to the latest TIFA opinion poll that paints a shifting political landscape ahead of the next General Election.

The survey places President Ruto at 24 percent, ahead of Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka who follows closely at 19 percent. Former Interior CS Fred Matiang'i ranks third with 14 percent, while Nairobi Senator Edwin W. Sifuna comes in fourth with 10 percent support.

The poll also reveals growing influence for the Linda Mwananchi Movement associated with Sifuna, which reportedly commands a massive 73 percent grassroots backing among supporters, overshadowing the Linda Ground Movement linked to Oburu Oginga, which stands at 23 percent among ODM supporters.

In the party popularity rankings, Orange Democratic Movement leads with 18 percent support, narrowly ahead of United Democratic Alliance at 17 percent, while DCP follows closely with 16 percent.

Political analysts say the combined strength of ODM and UDA — both associated with the broad-based government arrangement — effectively gives President Ruto’s camp a strategic advantage heading into the 2027 battle.

Meanwhile, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki continues to dominate the preferred running mate contest for President Ruto, commanding 59 percent support. Gladys Wanga comes second with 12 percent, followed by Oburu Oginga at 3 percent and former Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho at 1 percent.

The latest numbers are likely to energize the UDA camp, especially as allies insist the President has not yet fully launched grassroots mobilization efforts across the country.

With political temperatures already rising, the battle lines for 2027 are beginning to take shape — and if the latest TIFA numbers are anything to go by, Ruto and the UDA machine may still have more ground to gain once campaigns officially hit top gear.