By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Kenya, 24 July 2026 - A growing number of Kenyans opposed to President William Ruto's re-election believe former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua would be more influential backing a single opposition candidate than running for the presidency himself, a new Trends and Insights for Africa (TIFA) survey shows.
The poll suggests that opposition supporters are prioritising unity over individual ambition as political alliances begin taking shape ahead of the 2027 General Election.
According to the survey, 33% of respondents who do not support President Ruto's re-election said Gachagua's best contribution would be to endorse another opposition candidate, even if the courts clear him to contest.
A further 29 per cent said he should rally behind another opposition leader if his legal challenge against his impeachment fails and he is barred from seeking the presidency.
Only 14%t of those surveyed believe Gachagua should become the opposition's presidential flag bearer if he is eligible to run.
The findings point to growing support for a united opposition ticket rather than a race involving multiple candidates, as parties seek the strongest strategy to challenge the incumbent.
However, the survey also highlights lingering uncertainty over Gachagua's political future, with his eligibility to contest the 2027 election hinging on the outcome of his court challenge against his impeachment.
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Meanwhile, 5% of respondents said President Ruto is unlikely to be defeated regardless of the opposition's strategy, while 19% remained undecided on the best approach.
TIFA said the results reflect public opinion at a time when opposition leaders are exploring possible coalitions and realignments ahead of the next general election.
The survey was conducted through face-to-face household interviews with 2,048 respondents drawn from across Kenya's nine regions, including Nairobi, Mt Kenya, Nyanza, Coast, Western, Northern, Central Rift, South Rift and Lower Eastern.
According to the pollster, the findings provide an early indication that many opposition supporters see coalition-building, and not multiple presidential bids, as the most viable path to mounting a strong challenge against President Ruto in 2027.