Former presidential candidate George Wajackoyah has weighed in on the opposition’s search for a presidential candidate ahead of Kenya’s 2027 General Election, identifying Martha Karua as a potential contender capable of mounting a challenge against President William Ruto.
While discussing efforts by opposition parties to settle on a candidate, Wajackoyah said, “Martha Karua is the most preferred candidate to unseat Ruto.”
His remarks come as opposition leaders and political parties continue discussions on how to coordinate their campaigns and potentially settle on a single candidate for the 2027 presidential contest.
Karua, who previously served as Justice Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, has already been presented as a presidential candidate by the People’s Liberation Party. She has also taken part in engagements involving opposition leaders as different political formations explore possible cooperation ahead of the election.
However, polling figures cited in the report have produced varying results regarding Karua’s level of national support. An Infotrak survey conducted in June 2026 among 3,000 adults reportedly recorded 2 per cent support for Karua when respondents were asked about their preferred opposition presidential candidate.
A separate Politrack survey conducted between September 15 and 25, 2026, placed Karua at 0.8 per cent in a national presidential preference question. The same poll recorded President Ruto at 45.1 per cent and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna at 19.6 per cent.
The differing figures highlight the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the opposition’s eventual presidential candidate, with several prominent politicians being discussed as possible contenders.
Karua’s supporters have continued to emphasise her experience in national politics and her previous leadership positions as they advocate for her candidacy.
The opposition has yet to publicly settle on a single candidate, and negotiations between political parties and individual leaders are expected to continue as the 2027 election approaches.
Wajackoyah’s remarks have therefore added another perspective to the debate over who could ultimately receive the backing of opposition parties, while the final decision will depend on future political negotiations, alliances and candidate selection processes.