Waiguru leads Karua in poll on preferred woman deputy president

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has been identified as the preferred choice among respondents for Kenya's first female deputy president, according to a Politrack Africa survey. Waiguru received 36% support, while former Justice Minister Martha Karua came in second with 27% support, and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga trailed with 15%.

The survey comes as political parties and potential presidential contenders gear up for the 2027 General Election, where running mates are expected to be a key part of coalition negotiations. Waiguru's nine-point lead over Karua has put the two former political rivals at the forefront of the poll. However, the survey does not confirm whether either would secure a running-mate position in 2027, as these decisions are made by presidential candidates and their respective coalitions.

A significant 22% of respondents either declined to identify a preferred candidate, expressed uncertainty, or named another person. Seven percent were unfamiliar with the candidates presented. Waiguru's popularity is consistent with a previous Politrack survey in June, which also ranked her highest when asked which political figure would contribute most to President William Ruto's re-election bid.

Waiguru, who has served as Cabinet Secretary for Devolution and was first elected Kirinyaga governor in 2017, has a history of political rivalry with Karua, who served as her running mate in the 2022 presidential election. Wanga, the third-ranked woman in the survey, has recently become Homa Bay governor and is chairperson of the Orange Democratic Movement.

The poll comes at a time when political attention is shifting towards the Mount Kenya region, which could play a significant role in the 2027 presidential contest.