Media Council Issues Stern Warning to Journalists Before Key By-Elections
This intervention by MCK seeks to safeguard the integrity of election reporting and prevent the spread of misinformation that could impact voter perception and accelerate tensions...
✨ Key Highlights
The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has issued a stern warning to journalists and media houses against publishing unverified opinion polls in the five days leading up to the November 27 by-elections, citing illegality and ethical violations.
- MCK described the practice of circulating "voodoo polls" through online polls and call-ins as misleading to the public and detrimental to election coverage credibility.
- The advisory emphasizes that the warning applies to all journalists, media houses, online platforms, influencers, and talk shows, not just major media outlets.
- The council highlighted that such polls violate the Publication of Electoral Opinion Polls Act, 2012, which prohibits publishing results on election day or within five days prior.
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Police Disperse Gachagua Rally in Narok Ahead of By-Elections - November 2025
A campaign rally in Narok led by Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua was disrupted by police who fired teargas. On November 24, chaos erupted as Gachagua, wearing a helmet, entered Narok town before officers dispersed the crowd. Ahead of the Mbeere North by-election on Thursday, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has pledged heightened security and vowed firm action against any attempts to disrupt the polls. In relation to a separate election, Gachagua has demanded the immediate removal of all presiding officers for Thursday’s Magarini Constituency by-election, accusing IEBC Vice Chairperson Fahima Araphat Abdallah of interference. The upcoming by-elections also prompted the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) to warn journalists against publishing unverified opinion polls. For the Mbeere North race, the UDA candidate Leo Wa Muthende was notably absent from an aspirants' debate on November 23.
