Most Gachagua supporters prefer united opposition over his ‘27 bid

By Newsflash Writer

A majority of supporters of Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua believe he should throw his weight behind the strongest opposition candidate instead of insisting on his own presidential bid in the 2027 General Election, a new TIFA survey has found.

The findings come despite Gachagua’s DCP securing a major political victory after winning the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election in Nyandarua County on July 16, 2026, a result widely seen as boosting the party’s influence in the Mt Kenya region.

However, the poll notes that the survey was conducted before the by-election and therefore does not reflect its possible impact on public opinion.

Since his impeachment as Deputy President in October 2024, Gachagua has repeatedly maintained that he will contest the presidency, even as his legal challenge against his removal remains unresolved.

However, the TIFA survey suggests many anti-Ruto voters would rather see the opposition unite behind the most formidable candidate than rally behind Gachagua himself.

According to the poll, 62 per cent of respondents opposed to President William Ruto’s re-election believe Gachagua should support whichever opposition candidate has the highest chance of defeating the incumbent. Only 14 per cent said he should become the main opposition presidential candidate, while 19 per cent were undecided and 5 per cent felt Ruto could not be defeated regardless of Gachagua’s role.

Legal uncertainty clouds Gachagua’s ambitions

The survey also found that 33 per cent believe the opposition has the best chance of victory if Gachagua is allowed to contest but voluntarily backs another opposition candidate. Another 29 per cent said the best outcome would be for him to support another candidate if he is ultimately barred from contesting because of his impeachment.

TIFA said the findings indicate that anti-Ruto voters are placing greater importance on opposition unity than on who eventually leads the coalition.

“The findings indicate that anti-Ruto voters are primarily focused on maximizing the opposition’s chances of victory, regardless of who heads the coalition,” the pollster noted.

The survey also highlighted the uncertainty surrounding Gachagua’s presidential ambitions, noting that the outcome of his appeal against his impeachment will determine whether he is legally eligible to contest for the presidency or even serve as a deputy presidential candidate.

TIFA nevertheless observed that Gachagua remains one of the country’s leading opposition figures, although public perceptions of who stands the best chance of defeating President Ruto remain divided. Edwin Sifuna and Fred Matiang’i each attracted 18 per cent, followed by Kalonzo Musyoka at 16 per cent and Gachagua at 14 per cent when respondents were asked which opposition leader was best placed to unseat the President.

The survey was conducted between June 13 and June 22, 2026, involving 2,048 respondents across all 47 counties, with a margin of error of plus or minus 2.18 percentage points.