By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Kenya , July 24, 2026 - Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has emerged as the clear favourite to carry the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) presidential flag in the 2027 General Election, according to a new Trends and Insights for Africa (TIFA) survey.
The poll, released on Friday, found that 44 per cent of ODM supporters would back Sifuna if the party were to choose its presidential candidate today, placing him well ahead of other contenders.
President William Ruto was the second choice among ODM supporters with 20 per cent, followed by former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i with nine per cent. Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino each received four per cent, while former Chief Justice David Maraga polled two per cent.
The findings strengthen Sifuna's position within ODM at a time when the party remains divided over its cooperation with President Ruto's Kenya Kwanza administration.
The survey also found that 74 per cent of ODM supporters identify with Sifuna's Linda Mwananchi faction, compared to 20 per cent who back the rival Linda Ground camp, which supports continued collaboration with the broad-based government.
Nationally, Sifuna also ranked among the country's leading opposition figures. The survey placed President Ruto in the lead with 24 per cent support, followed by Sifuna at 15 per cent, Matiang'i at 14 per cent, Kalonzo at 13 per cent, and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at seven per cent.
However, TIFA noted that opposition support remains split among several candidates, a factor that currently works in President Ruto's favour ahead of the 2027 election.
The survey comes just weeks after the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) ratified Sifuna's removal as ODM Secretary-General, a development that has fuelled speculation about the party's future direction.
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The poll also highlighted strong loyalty within other major political parties.
Among UDA supporters, 84 per cent said they would back President Ruto for re-election, while 90 per cent of Wiper supporters preferred party leader Kalonzo Musyoka as their presidential candidate.
Former Interior CS Fred Matiang'i also enjoyed overwhelming backing among Jubilee Party supporters, with 73 per cent naming him as their preferred candidate.
According to TIFA, the findings reflect varying levels of party cohesion as political formations begin positioning themselves for the 2027 contest.
The survey was conducted between June 13 and June 22, 2026, through face-to-face interviews with 2,048 adults across all 47 counties, with a margin of error of plus or minus 2.18 percentage points.