Jubilee Party presidential aspirant Fred Matiang’i has overtaken veteran politician Kalonzo Musyoka in the latest opinion survey, positioning himself as the leading challenger to President William Ruto ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The end-of-year poll conducted by Infotrak and released on Sunday, December 28, shows President Ruto retaining a strong lead with 28 per cent of voter support. However, Matiang’i now emerges as the primary opposition contender with 13 per cent, surpassing Kalonzo, who has historically commanded significant backing.
The findings suggest that Matiang’i’s growing popularity is reshaping the opposition landscape, raising questions about whether parties might consolidate support around him as the candidate best positioned to challenge Ruto. Analysts note that the shift could influence coalition strategies and negotiations, especially as the opposition seeks a unified front against the incumbent president.
The survey, carried out between December 19 and December 20, underscores a subtle yet notable change in voter sentiment. While Ruto continues to enjoy broad support, Matiang’i’s rise indicates that he is increasingly being seen as a credible alternative, potentially eclipsing long-standing opposition figures such as Kalonzo.
Political observers argue that this development could intensify competition within opposition ranks, as parties assess who stands the strongest chance of mounting a serious challenge to Ruto’s reelection bid. Matiang’i’s performance in the polls may compel opposition leaders to reconsider their alliances and candidate endorsements in the run-up to the 2027 elections.
As the political race heats up, Fred Matiang’i’s emergence as a front-runner within the opposition marks a significant shift, signaling that he could be the key figure capable of contesting President Ruto’s hold on power.