Misinformation rears ugly head as Kenya election campaigns heat up

Kenyans attend Azimio and Kenya Kwanza campaigns.

Kenyans attend Azimio (left) and Kenya Kwanza campaigns. PHOTO | NMG

Kenya’s preparations for the August 9 general elections are facing what is now an international problem — keeping false news off the campaign platforms.

Misinformation, experts warn, could likely return the country to the old path of post-election violence unless nipped in the bud. Ahead of elections to replace retiring President Uhuru Kenyatta, detecting fake from fact has become even more difficult as social media has taken over political campaigns.