Infotrak Disowns Fake Ol Kalou Poll After Landslide By-Election Result Contradicts Viral Claims
Fake Survey Used Infotrak Branding to Predict UDA Victory as Research Firm Issues Strong Warning
A viral opinion poll that claimed to predict the outcome of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election has been disowned by research firm Infotrak, which says the survey was fabricated and falsely attributed to the organisation.
The polling company issued a public statement after a graphic widely circulated online purported to show findings from an Infotrak survey conducted ahead of the July 16 by-election in Ol Kalou Constituency.
According to the fake poll, United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Samuel Muchina Nyagah was projected to win the seat with 54.6 per cent support, while Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) candidate Sammy Douglas Kamau Waweru was placed second with 41.0 per cent.
The graphic also assigned marginal support to candidates from the Jubilee Party, National Liberal Party (NLP), People’s Renaissance Movement (PRM), and other parties. However, observers quickly pointed out glaring mathematical inconsistencies in the figures, raising doubts about its authenticity.
Adding to its apparent credibility, the fabricated graphic carried Infotrak’s logo, branding and website details, making it appear as though it had been officially released by the respected research firm.
Infotrak has now categorically denied any connection to the survey.
“A poll currently circulating online regarding the Ol Kalou Member of Parliament by-election is NOT from our organisation. We did not conduct, commission, publish, or endorse the poll,” the company said in a public notice.
The firm stressed that it neither authorised nor endorsed the document and urged Kenyans to verify the source of any opinion poll before accepting or sharing it.
Election Results Tell a Completely Different Story
The controversy gained even greater attention after the official results of the July 16 by-election sharply contradicted the claims made in the fake survey.
According to results announced by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), DCP candidate Sammy Douglas Kamau Waweru secured a commanding victory, defeating UDA’s Samuel Muchina Nyagah by more than 30,000 votes.
Official tallies from all 144 polling stations showed Waweru receiving 35,440 votes, while Nyagah managed 5,450 votes.
Jubilee Party candidate Wilson Mwaniki Kigwa finished a distant third with 198 votes, followed by Stephen Wanyoike Waithaka of the National Liberal Party with 103 votes, among other candidates.
The outcome directly contradicted the fabricated poll, which had portrayed Nyagah as the overwhelming favourite only days before voters went to the ballot.
Infotrak Warns Against Misinformation
In its statement, Infotrak reiterated that all genuine opinion polls are released exclusively through its verified communication channels, including its official website and authenticated social media accounts.
The company warned that fake polls can mislead voters, distort public perception and undermine confidence in credible research if left unchecked.
“We urge the public to verify information through our official communication channels before sharing it. Our polls are only released on our verified social media platforms and official website. Don’t be misled by misinformation. Verify before you share,” Infotrak said.
The incident highlights growing concerns over the spread of election-related misinformation online, where manipulated graphics and fabricated surveys are increasingly being circulated using the names and branding of established institutions to give false information an appearance of legitimacy.
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