43% of Kenyans Blame Gachagua for Opposition Infighting, New Poll Shows

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is the politician whom Kenyans most often blame for disagreements among opposition leaders, according to a new poll by TIFA Research and Consulting. Forty-three percent of respondents named him as a source of the divisions. President William Ruto and his United Democratic Alliance (UDA) administration came next, with 15 percent of respondents holding them responsible. Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna followed at seven per cent, while Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka received six per cent. Four percent of respondents named former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i. Babu Owino, retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, Siaya Governor James Orengo, and Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro each received two percent. Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya received one percent. TIFA said Gachagua was “most frequently cited in perceptions of opposition disagreements.” The findings reflect public views of the divisions as political groups position themselves ahead of the August 2027 General Election. The poll also asked opposition supporters when their leaders should announce a joint presidential candidate and running mate. With 270 days remaining before the election, respondents offered differing views on the timing. When asked, “When should the opposition announce its joint presidential candidate and running mate for the 2027 General Election?” 45 percent favored an announcement between January and March 2027. Another 35 per cent wanted the opposition to name its ticket before the end of 2026, while 16 per cent preferred an announcement between April and June 2027. Three per cent were unsure. “While a plurality prefer that this be done early next year, a substantial minority indicate that it should be done sooner,” TIFA said in its analysis of the results, which lead researcher Tom Wolf released on Thursday. Despite differences over timing and leadership, most opposition supporters said they expect the groups to unite. TIFA asked, “How likely do you think it is that the current Linda Mwananchi and Ukombozi Opposition leaders will unite ahead of the 2027 election?” Fifty-seven per cent said unity was “very likely,” while 22 per cent considered it “somewhat likely.” By contrast, eight per cent said unity was “not very likely,” and seven per cent said it was “not likely at all.” The remaining six percent were unsure. The results suggest that many opposition supporters remain hopeful their leaders will overcome competing ambitions and agree on a common position before the election. TIFA conducted the survey from October 26 to November 5, 2026, interviewing 2,036 people face to face in their homes. The nationally representative sample covered Central Rift, Coast, Lower Eastern, Mt Kenya, Nairobi, Northern, Nyanza, South Rift, and Western. Interviewers spoke mainly in Kiswahili, with some interviews in English. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.16 percentage points. The post 43% of Kenyans Blame Gachagua for Opposition Infighting, New Poll Shows appeared first on Nairobi Wire .

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