NAIROBI, Kenya Jun 19 – Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has emerged as the frontrunner in the race to become President William Ruto’s running mate in the 2027 General Election, according to the latest PoliTrack Africa Report 2026, setting the stage for a possible political showdown within the ruling coalition.
The poll places Waiguru at the top of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) deputy president preference list with 30.9 percent support, ahead of Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki who garnered 19.3 percent.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga ranked third with 17 percent, followed by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi at 9.2 percent and Mining Cabinet Secretary Ali Hassan Joho at 7.5 percent.
The findings are likely to intensify succession politics within Kenya Kwanza as allies of both Waiguru and Kindiki begin positioning themselves ahead of the next election cycle.
Waiguru’s strong showing is expected to boost speculation that President Ruto could consider a Mt Kenya female running mate strategy aimed at consolidating support in the vote-rich region while appealing to women and younger voters nationally.
Political analysts say her experience in government, including her previous role as Devolution Cabinet Secretary and her two-term tenure as Kirinyaga Governor, has helped strengthen her national political profile.
However, Kindiki remains a formidable contender due to his close working relationship with President Ruto and his central role in the administration’s security and governance agenda.
The growing rivalry between the two leaders could shape political alignments within UDA and influence regional power negotiations as the 2027 campaigns gradually take shape.
Observers note that while the deputy president debate is still premature, early opinion polls often influence internal party dynamics, elite bargaining and coalition-building efforts.
The PoliTrack survey also signals increasing political competition among leaders seeking to inherit influence in the Mt Kenya region and other strategic voting blocs as Kenya’s political landscape begins shifting toward the next general election.