Some MP just told a bunch of opposition leaders to give up and run for governor instead. Nyaribari Chache lawmaker Zaheer Jhanda said this, reacting to new Infotrak polling data. He said President William Ruto is the clear frontrunner for 2027. Jhanda named four opposition figures he thinks should quit the presidential race. He pointed to Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i, Narc-Kenya leader Martha Karua, and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya. His advice was for them to seek county leadership in their home areas. He specified Kitui for Kalonzo, Nyamira for Matiang’i, Kirinyaga for Karua, and Trans Nzoia for Natembeya. Jhanda claimed politics is about numbers, not noise. He called their national ambitions wishful thinking, with Ruto consolidating power.
Jhanda argued these leaders have better name recognition and grassroots networks locally. A governor's role would let them build real influence, he said. He also warned that multiple opposition candidates would split the vote, handing Ruto an easy win. The Infotrak poll he referenced shows Ruto with 28 percent support as the preferred candidate. Matiang’i got 13 percent, while Kalonzo Musyoka had 12 percent. The ruling UDA party led with 23 percent popularity against ODM's 19 percent. A full 25 percent of those surveyed remained undecided. Jhanda framed his whole argument as political realism, beating personal ambition. His comments add to existing speculation and jockeying within opposition circles about who will actually run.
Jhanda argued these leaders have better name recognition and grassroots networks locally. A governor's role would let them build real influence, he said. He also warned that multiple opposition candidates would split the vote, handing Ruto an easy win. The Infotrak poll he referenced shows Ruto with 28 percent support as the preferred candidate. Matiang’i got 13 percent, while Kalonzo Musyoka had 12 percent. The ruling UDA party led with 23 percent popularity against ODM's 19 percent. A full 25 percent of those surveyed remained undecided. Jhanda framed his whole argument as political realism, beating personal ambition. His comments add to existing speculation and jockeying within opposition circles about who will actually run.
