About 15 months to the 2027 polls, many Kenyans are supporting Deputy President Kithure Kindiki to retain his seat as President William Ruto’s running mate.

This, even as leaders in the broad-based banner jostle for the country’s second-highest seat.

 A new survey by Trends and Insights For Africa (TIFA) shows that Kindiki has emerged as the clear front-runner in the race to become Ruto’s preferred deputy presidential candidate in the 2027 General Election.

The poll indicates that 59 per cent of respondents prefer Kindiki to remain on the ticket, far ahead of other potential contenders drawn from both the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) camps.

According to the TIFA findings released on Thursday, May 14, 2026, Kindiki enjoys a commanding lead over Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, who garnered 12 per cent support. Oburu Oginga and Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho each attracted three per cent, while Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi polled two per cent. National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula received one per cent support.

“Kindiki is viewed as the most politically acceptable deputy option”, adding that the results point to strong voter preference for continuity and stability within Ruto’s political camp heading into 2027,” the survey reads.

The battle for the deputy president slot is fast emerging as a critical factor in shaping Ruto’s 2027 re-election bid as coalition talks intensify and political alignments begin to take shape.

Once largely seen as a constitutional requirement, the office has evolved into a powerful feature for coalition-building, regional balance and voter mobilisation in Kenya’s highly competitive political environment.

The choice of running mate could significantly influence turnout patterns, particularly in battleground counties where ethnic arithmetic and regional loyalty remain decisive.

The unfolding political contest is expected to revolve around negotiations between ODM and UDA, with both camps aggressively positioning themselves to secure the deputy president slot, widely viewed as the most valuable bargaining chip in any future alliance.

ODM leaders have publicly signalled interest in the position as part of any coalition arrangement with Ruto’s camp.

Oburu Oginga recently maintained that ODM would only negotiate from a position of strength, showing the party’s determination to secure a top seat in government should coalition talks materialise.

“Kuna watu wali misinterpret ati mi nilisema hatutaki kiti ya deputy president, hiyo ndio kiti ambayo tunailenga sana. Kitu mimi nilisema ni ya kuwa huyo deputy president hatuna chuki na yeye kwa ubinafsi lakini hiyo kiti ya DP ni public,” Oburu told NEC delegates.

Jostle for DP seat

However, UDA allies insist on retaining Kindiki, who would project stability and avoid unsettling the ruling party’s core support base, particularly in the vote-rich Mt Kenya region.

For instance, Human Capital Development and Special Programs, Geoffrey RukuRuku declared that the position currently held by Kithure Kindiki is politically and historically anchored in the Mt Kenya region and is not up for negotiation.

“Those looking for seats should not bother with the presidency or the deputy presidency. That seat belongs to Kindiki. There is no vacancy now, and there will be no vacancy in 2027,” he said.

The deputy president is seen by many within the UDA as a safe pair of hands capable of consolidating support while shielding the party from internal divisions ahead of the next election cycle.

Kindiki assumed office in October 2024, following the impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua. Since then, his allies have consistently argued that he is the automatic choice to deputise Ruto in 2027.

The push for the slot has also taken a strong regional dimension, especially at the Coast, where leaders are rallying behind Joho as their preferred candidate. Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has been among the most vocal proponents of a Coast-based deputy president.

“By 2027, the Deputy President should come from ODM and specifically from the Coast,” Nassir said recently.

“Our preferred candidate is Hassan Joho. This is not just about politics; it is about ensuring the coast’s interests are protected in government.”

Mvita MP Mohamed Machele also stressed the importance of regional inclusion in coalition negotiations, arguing that the Coast region deserves representation at the highest level of government.

Even as Coast leaders push their case, some ODM insiders believe that if the party eventually secures the deputy slot, the candidate should come from the party’s traditional Nyanza stronghold. Gladys Wanga’s name has frequently surfaced in those discussions, reflecting internal debates over political strategy and regional balance.

Still, the latest TIFA poll appears to strengthen Kindiki’s position within Ruto’s camp. With a significant lead over all other potential candidates, the survey suggests that a majority of Kenyans favour continuity in the presidency as the country gradually shifts focus toward the 2027 general election.