Johana Ngeno Tops Online Poll as Kalenjin's Next Big Political Force After Ruto

A recent online poll by Australia-based Kenyan political analyst Alfred Koech Sergent has sparked fresh debate over President William Ruto's possible successor and the surprise frontrunner is Emurua Dikir Member of Parliament Hon. Johana Ngeno.

Emurua Dikir Member of Parliament Hon Johana Ngeno at a past event (Photo Courtesy)

The weekend poll, which drew over 34,000 online participants, placed Hon. Ngeno firmly ahead of high-profile figures such as Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago, and Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot. According to the results, Ngeno led with a commanding 71%, followed by Mandago at 13%, while the rest trailed with single-digit support.

Gaining Ground Across the Rift

The three-term MP has been quietly but steadily building political capital across the Rift Valley, making calculated moves to position himself as the next leader of the Kalenjin community. Known for its tradition of rallying behind a single unifying political figure, first the late President Moi, then President Ruto. The community is already beginning to speculate on who will take the mantle once Ruto completes his constitutionally mandated two terms.

Ngeno, who hails from the populous Kipsigis sub-tribe, has in recent years been intensifying grassroots outreach across the region. Among his most notable initiatives is the Kalenjin Music Awards, a vibrant end-of-year event celebrating local artists and content creators. Now in its second year, the awards have attracted significant attention and investment, with winners walking away with millions in prize money, a move that has further endeared him to the youth and creatives in the community.

A Leader with Substance

Away from the limelight, Ngeno has been vocal on land rights, a sensitive issue in Narok County, where he continues to advocate for vulnerable members of society. His legal background bolsters his credentials. He holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Master’s in International Studies from the University of Nairobi.

While 2027 may still feel distant, political undercurrents in the Rift Valley suggest that succession planning is already underway and Johana Ngeno seems to be emerging as a force to watch. We will wait and see whether the mantle will shift from the North-Rift to South-Rift.