Migori senatorial hopeful Kennedy Oluoch has criticized mainstream media for giving disproportionate airtime and leverage to political bigwigs and incumbents, sidelining fresh candidates who could shape the future of Kenya’s leadership.
Speaking to KTNM News, Oluoch emphasized that the media should focus on who is winning, rather than reinforcing the dominance of incumbents.
“The mainstream media has been so injected by incumbents that they fail to set the agenda for a fair democratic contest. Reporting on President Ruto, for example, is not news. However, covering emerging leaders such as Omtatah, Wajakoyah, and others would be more impactful in shaping public discourse,” Oluoch stated.
He further pointed out that major media houses tend to amplify the voices of established politicians while ignoring new entrants, creating an unfair advantage for those already in power.
This, he argues, distorts democracy and limits voter choice.
Migori County’s 2022 Elections: A Case Study in Electoral Flaws
Oluoch’s concerns are not without precedent. Migori County’s 2022 elections and party primaries were marred by allegations of irregularities, rigging, and favoritism in both ODM and UDA camps. The process, widely criticized by aspirants and voters alike, exposed deep-rooted issues in Kenya’s electoral system.
During the ODM party primaries, chaos erupted in various constituencies, with candidates and their supporters decrying outright manipulation of results.
Reports surfaced that nomination certificates were issued to preferred candidates even before the votes were counted, sparking protests in towns like Rongo, Awendo, and Suna East.
Several candidates who had spent millions campaigning found themselves edged out through what was described as a “boardroom selection” rather than a fair democratic process.
In the senatorial race, the nomination of Eddy Oketch under ODM was met with resistance, as rival aspirants claimed the process was neither free nor fair. Similarly, in the gubernatorial race, Ochillo Ayacko’s nomination was criticized, with opponents alleging that party officials had pre-determined winners long before votes were cast.
UDA’s primaries were no different, with accusations of favoritism and ghost voters being raised by disgruntled aspirants. In some cases, voting materials arrived late or not at all, forcing some candidates to withdraw from the race in frustration.
“The issue of direct nominations and pre-determined winners has plagued Migori and other counties, killing the spirit of democracy. We cannot claim to have free elections when party primaries are a sham. This must change,” Oluoch emphasized.
Calls for Electoral Transparency at All Levels
Beyond party nominations, Oluoch also called for greater transparency within the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), aligning with sentiments previously expressed by Royal Media Services Chairman, S.K. Macharia.
He criticized longstanding irregularities in voter registration and the handling of electoral processes, which he argues have deprived Kenyans of fair elections.
“For years, Kenya has suffered from electoral injustices due to anomalies in the voter register. These flaws compromise democracy and breed public mistrust in institutions meant to oversee free and fair elections,” Oluoch asserted.
Political observers agree that party nominations have become a contentious issue, with some arguing that closed-door selections hinder democracy within party structures. Governance expert Prof. Wycliffe Njoroge explains:
“When parties issue direct tickets to their preferred candidates, they deny voters the right to choose their leaders. This practice has, in the past, led to voter apathy and a sense of disenfranchisement, particularly in strongholds of major parties.”
The Path Forward: A Fair Playing Field for All
As Kenya gears up for the next electoral cycle, Oluoch and other leaders are calling on media houses, IEBC, and political parties to ensure a level playing field for all aspirants.
“Giving every candidate fair coverage and ensuring transparent electoral processes is key to strengthening democracy. Kenyans deserve an election where the best leader wins, not just the one with the most media coverage or party backing,” Oluoch concluded.
With mounting pressure on both the media and electoral bodies, the coming months will be critical in determining whether Kenya can achieve a fair and inclusive political environment.
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