The Media Council of Kenya has issued a strong warning to media outlets, journalists, and online platforms, telling them to stop conducting or publishing unscientific and unauthorised election-related opinion polls.
These polls, often referred to as “voodoo” polls, have been circulating ahead of the by-elections set for November 27, 2025.
In its statement released on November 23, 2025, the council made it clear that such polls are illegal and should not be shared in any form as the country heads closer to the voting day.
The council repeated that these unverified polls go against the Publication of Electoral Opinion Polls Act of 2012 as well as the Media Council’s own Election Reporting Guidelines. It explained that many of these quick polls, especially call-in polls and instant online votes, do not meet the required legal and professional standards.
They offer misleading results because they are not based on proper research methods. The statement also stressed that the law clearly forbids anyone from publishing opinion poll results during the five days leading up to an election and on the election day itself.
This rule is meant to protect voters from being influenced by unreliable information during the most sensitive period of the election process.
The advisory also pointed out that the guidelines apply to all types of media and platforms. This includes radio talk shows, TV live broadcasts, social media polls, and even phone-in programs. Journalists and media houses have been reminded that any form of opinion poll must follow the law, and if it does not, it must not be published.
The council also clarified that short interviews gathered from people on the streets, such as vox pops, should never be treated as scientific surveys.
These random opinions cannot be used to suggest voter trends or candidate popularity.
The Media Council urged journalists and media organisations to avoid any practices that violate the law or ethical standards. It reminded them that their work must be guided by professionalism and accuracy, especially during an election period.
As the country enters the final days before the by-elections, the council emphasised the importance of protecting the integrity of the process.
It said that any misleading information, especially through fake or unscientific polls, could interfere with fair decision-making by voters.
With only four days left before the polls open in several constituencies and wards, the council’s message serves as an important reminder.
The Media Council of Kenya reassured the public that it will continue pushing for responsible reporting and ensuring that journalists follow the law.
It also reminded media practitioners of their duty to provide Kenyans with truthful and lawful information as the nation prepares to head to the ballot.
