Africa-Press – Kenya. Nyaribari Chache Zaheer Jhanda has ignited fresh political debate ahead of the 2027 General Election after urging opposition leaders to reconsider their presidential ambitions and instead channel their efforts toward gubernatorial races.
Reacting to the latest Infotrak opinion polls, Jhanda argued that the current political numbers overwhelmingly favour President William Ruto, who he said continues to consolidate his position nationally as the clear frontrunner for the 2027 presidential contest.
“The message is loud and clear: politics is about numbers, not noise,” Jhanda stated, adding that as President Ruto tightens his grip across the country, some opposition presidential bids are increasingly appearing “more like wishful thinking than realistic pathways to power.”
Jhanda singled out Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, Narc-Kenya leader Martha Karua and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, urging them to pause and reassess their political strategies before the campaign season gains momentum.
According to the legislator, the four leaders would be better placed seeking governorships in their respective home counties, where they enjoy stronger name recognition, established grassroots networks and clearer numerical advantage compared to the national presidential race.
He pointed to Kitui for Kalonzo Musyoka, Nyamira for Fred Matiang’i, Kirinyaga for Martha Karua and Trans Nzoia for George Natembeya as more realistic and attainable political battlegrounds.
“That’s where the numbers, familiarity and relevance actually lie,” Jhanda said, arguing that focusing on county leadership would allow the leaders to consolidate power locally while remaining influential in national politics.
He further suggested that the opposition risks fragmenting its support base by fielding multiple presidential candidates, a scenario he said would only strengthen President Ruto’s re-election bid.
Jhanda maintained that political realism, rather than personal ambition, should guide decision-making as the country edges closer to 2027.
His remarks come amid growing speculation and jostling within opposition ranks, with several leaders signalling interest in the presidency despite opinion polls suggesting Ruto maintains a commanding lead over potential challengers.
An end-of-year Infotrak opinion poll shows that Ruto would retain the presidency if a general election were held today, with 28 per cent of Kenyans expressing support for his re-election.
The survey, however, also points to a sizeable undecided electorate and shifting loyalties across political parties.
According to the poll, Ruto emerged as the most preferred presidential candidate, attracting 28 per cent of the vote.
Matiang’i followed in second place with 13 per cent support, while Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka ranked third at 12 per cent.
Notably, the survey found that a significant 25 per cent of respondents are yet to make up their minds on who they would support in a presidential race.
On party popularity, the ruling UDA maintained its lead as the most preferred political party, commanding 23 per cent support nationwide.
ODM came in second with 19 per cent, reflecting sustained competition between the two major political formations.
The Infotrak poll was conducted between December 19 and 20, 2025, and sampled 1,000 respondents across all 47 counties, providing a snapshot of voter sentiment at the close of the year.
