The media coverage of the Kenya Kwanza coalition flagbearer William Ruto has increased and overtaken that of Azimio la Umoja One-Kenya competitor Raila Odinga, the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) latest media monitoring report shows.

According to data from the first week of July 2022, Ruto’s media coverage stood at 46 per cent against Raila’s 45 per cent.

Roots Party’s George Wajackoyah is third at six per cent while Agano Party’s David Mwaure received three per cent publicity.

“The increase in Ruto’s media coverage is attributed to his coalition’s manifesto launch on June 30 and the criticism it received from the opponents.

“During the period, the DP’s coalition received 14 percent mention in print media compared to Raila’s 12 per cent and 61 per cent coverage in radio against Raila’s 58 per cent,” MCK said in a statement on Wednesday, July 13.

Ruto leads in print, Radio coverage

While Ruto leads in both print and radio coverage, Raila retains an edge over UDA flag bearer on television coverage at 29 per cent against DP Ruto’s 26 per cent.

“Media coverage volumes of the two other candidates have also recorded tremendous increase following the release of their respective manifestos.

“Their presence in media is now more pronounced than before. In the June media coverage report released by MCK, the Azimio coalition candidate’s coverage was at its highest peak in the period leading to and after the launch of the coalition’s manifesto,” MCK added.

A similar scenario came to play with the Kenya Kwanza coalition manifesto launch.

Meanwhile, most journalists feel safer and cmore omfortable working with Odinga’s Azimio la Umoja Coalition than Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza.

A survey by the MCK to gauge perception of media and journalists towards the presidential candidates indicates 49 per cent feel safer working with Raila while Ruto received 31 per cent backing

“Only 17 per cent felt comfortable covering Root party’s Wajackoya. The discomfort by media is has been attributed to frequent removal of journalist from Ruto’s functions including during the party national delegates conference and public gatherings in Njoro, Nakuru County,” the Council stated.