The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has issued a stern warning to journalists, media houses and online content creators against publishing unscientific and unauthorised election-related opinion polls ahead of the by-elections slated for November 27, 2025.
In a statement released on Sunday, November 23, and seen by Nairobi News, the MCK reminded media practitioners that disseminating such polls, commonly referred to as “voodoo polls”, is illegal and violates the Publication of Electoral Opinion Polls Act, 2012, as well as the Council’s Election Reporting Guidelines.
According to the Council, instant social media polls, call-in votes, talk-show tallies and similar informal surveys fall short of the legal and professional standards required for credible polling.
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The Council noted that these practices not only mislead the public but also undermine journalistic integrity.
Nairobi News understands that the law clearly restricts the publication of election poll results during a specified period before voting day.
The Act states:
“A person shall not publish the results of any electoral opinion poll on the day of the election or during the period of five days immediately preceding the date of the election.”
MCK emphasised that this provision applies to all media platforms, including live broadcasts, phone-ins, talk shows and especially social media.
Journalists and content creators were specifically directed to refrain from conducting opinion polls or publishing poll outcomes on their digital platforms, noting that statements gathered from random individuals during vox pops do not qualify as scientific surveys.
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The Council urged all practitioners to uphold the law and adhere strictly to ethical standards to avoid misleading the electorate during this sensitive period.
“Media organisations and journalists must avoid any practice that could place them in breach of the law or undermine responsible journalism,” the Council noted, adding that all reporting should respect professional norms and internal editorial policies.
MCK concluded by encouraging journalists to focus on factual, balanced and accountable election coverage as the country heads toward the by-elections.
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