Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s approval ratings may experience a significant boost following the outcome of the Ol Kalou by-election, as highlighted by Infotrak CEO Angela Ambitho.
During a recent interview with a local media station on August 2, 2026, Ambitho pointed out that the decisive victory of Sammy Kamau Ngotho, the candidate backed by Gachagua’s Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), could enhance public perception of the former deputy president in the lead-up to the 2027 General Election.
Ambitho emphasized that Gachagua’s previous approval rating of just 4 percent in recent presidential preference polls reflected the uncertainty surrounding his impeachment case. Many Kenyans remained unclear about his eligibility to run for the presidency in 2027, which adversely impacted his ratings.
However, she argued that the outcome of the Ol Kalou by-election, combined with Gachagua’s recent commitment to be on the presidential ballot in 2027, could instill greater confidence among his supporters and the broader electorate.
“Kenyans are pragmatic; they are unlikely to support a candidate whose ballot status is uncertain. Yet, with the recent developments in Ol Kalou and Gachagua’s assurance of his candidacy, we may witness a shift in public sentiment,” she stated. “Kenyans might think, ‘Perhaps he knows something we don’t,’ which could lead to an increase in his approval numbers.”
In the meantime, President William Ruto continues to hold the position of Kenyans’ most favored presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general election, as revealed by the latest opinion poll from Trends and Insights For Africa (TIFA). The survey indicates that Ruto maintains a steady lead over a fragmented opposition, securing 24 percent support in both May and June 2026.
The TIFA findings, released on July 24, 2026, show that while individual opposition figures garner support, none have surpassed the president’s ratings. TIFA noted that Ruto’s support has remained stable over the past year, despite shifts in the political landscape and increased activity from opposition leaders.
On the other hand, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, who initially emerged as a leading opposition figure, has experienced a notable decline in support, dropping from 32 percent in August 2025 to 14 percent in June 2026.
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka also faced a decline in popularity, with his support falling from 25 percent in November 2025 to 13 percent in the latest survey.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua saw his highest support level reach 9 percent in May 2026, before slipping to 7 percent in June. Meanwhile, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has emerged as the fastest-rising opposition politician, increasing his support from virtually zero in 2025 to 15 percent in June 2026.
TIFA noted that Sifuna’s steady rise has positioned him among the leading contenders in the opposition, despite the division of support among several candidates.
