TIFA Poll: 43% of Kenyans Blame Gachagua for Divisions Within Opposition
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has emerged as the politician most frequently blamed for disagreements within Kenya's opposition, according to a new opinion poll released by TIFA Research.
By Emmanuel Kyengo;
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has emerged as the politician most frequently blamed for disagreements within Kenya’s opposition, according to a new opinion poll released by TIFA Research.
The survey, released on Thursday, November 12, 2026, indicates that 43 per cent of respondents believe Gachagua is largely responsible for the divisions affecting efforts to unite opposition leaders ahead of the August 2027 General Election.
President William Ruto and his United Democratic Alliance (UDA) administration came second, with 15 per cent of respondents identifying them as contributors to the disagreements within the opposition.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna followed with seven per cent, while Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka was mentioned by six per cent of those interviewed.
Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino each received four per cent. Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, Siaya Governor James Orengo and Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro each recorded two per cent, while Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya received one per cent.
The findings come at a time when opposition leaders are holding consultations aimed at building a united political front to challenge President Ruto in the next General Election.
Interestingly, Gachagua has repeatedly presented himself as one of the key figures championing opposition unity, arguing that leaders must consolidate their political bases and work together to remove the current administration from power.
Speaking during a recent political rally in Rongai, Kajiado County, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader accused President Ruto of sponsoring smaller political parties in the Mt Kenya region to weaken his political influence.
He also pointed to his meeting with Sifuna after returning from the United States, describing it as part of his efforts to bring opposition leaders together.
However, Gachagua’s approach to coalition-building has increasingly attracted criticism, particularly over disagreements surrounding the choice of a joint presidential candidate.
Gachagua has also taken issue with former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i and Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi, accusing them of seeking the presidency without investing enough effort in grassroots mobilisation.
Gachagua has challenged the two leaders to build their political support from the ground rather than relying on hotel meetings, media appearances and public declarations.
Meanwhile, President Ruto has accused former President Uhuru Kenyatta of being behind efforts to unite opposition leaders against his administration.
During his recent visit to Kisii, Ruto challenged Uhuru to openly declare his political intentions instead of allegedly coordinating opposition activities from behind the scenes.
The TIFA findings also examined the possibility of opposition unity ahead of the 2027 elections, with 57 per cent of opposition supporters saying it was very likely that the Linda Mwananchi and Ukombozi factions would eventually work together.
On the question of when opposition leaders should announce their joint presidential candidate and running mate, 45 per cent preferred an announcement between January and March 2027. Another 35 per cent wanted the announcement made before the end of 2026, while 16 per cent favoured April to June 2027.
The survey was conducted between October 26 and November 5, 2026, through face-to-face interviews with 2,036 Kenyan adults across all 47 counties.
TIFA reported a margin of error of plus or minus 2.16 percentage points.
The findings offer a snapshot of public perceptions surrounding opposition politics, as competing political interests and leadership ambitions continue to shape negotiations ahead of the 2027 General Election.
