MCK CEO David Onwoyo addressing the Media addressing the Media in a Past Function. File Photo. 
By Ryan Mumo
The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has issued a stern advisory to media outlets, journalists, and online content creators, reminding them that conducting or disseminating unscientific and unauthorised election-related opinion polls is illegal and must cease immediately ahead of the 27 November 2025 by-elections.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Council cautioned that the growing trend of “instant” or “call-in” polls—often circulated on radio, television, and social media platforms—undermines the legal and professional standards that govern political reporting in Kenya.
Such polls, commonly referred to as “voodoo polls,” do not meet the threshold of scientific credibility and violate the Publication of Electoral Opinion Polls Act, 2012, as well as the MCK Election Reporting Guidelines.
The Act explicitly prohibits the release of any electoral opinion poll results on election day or within the five days preceding the election.
“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,”
the Act states.
MCK noted that the restrictions apply not only to traditional polling but also to casual online surveys, live phone-ins, talk shows, and vox pop segments that present random public sentiments as credible data.
The Council emphasised that media practitioners must adhere strictly to ethical guidelines, including directives requiring journalists to refrain from conducting opinion polls or publishing results on their social media platforms.
According to the Council, statements gathered from interviews with randomly selected individuals cannot be presented as scientific opinion polls and therefore must not be framed as such in news reports.
The MCK urged journalists and media organisations to uphold responsible, ethical, and lawful journalism during the election period. It warned that failure to comply may expose practitioners and their organisations to legal sanctions and reputational harm.
The Council further reminded the media fraternity that adherence to established guidelines is essential for maintaining public trust and safeguarding the integrity of Kenya’s electoral process.
