The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has issued a strict warning to journalists and media houses, prohibiting the publication of unauthorized electoral opinion polls, often dubbed “voodoo polls,” in the days leading up to the by-elections.
In a media advisory released on Sunday, the council stated that the surge in unscientific polls—such as instant online surveys, call-ins, and even informal vox-pop segments—risks misleading the public and contravenes the Publication of Electoral Opinion Polls Act, 2012. The law expressly bans publishing poll results five days before and on election day.
The warning extends beyond traditional news outlets to include online platforms, influencers, and talk shows. The MCK emphasized that these informal methods “fail to meet legal and professional thresholds” and could place practitioners in breach of the law, exposing them to sanctions for unethical conduct.
This intervention aims to safeguard the integrity of election reporting and prevent the spread of misinformation during a period of heightened political tension. The council has urged all media practitioners to prioritize accuracy, verify information, and adhere strictly to the law.
By James Kisoo
