Infotrak Research has distanced itself from an opinion poll circulating on social media that falsely claimed to show voter support in the recently concluded Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.

The research firm said the poll was not produced, commissioned, published or endorsed by the company, warning Kenyans against sharing unverified information online.

In a public notice released on Sunday, July 19, Infotrak said only surveys published through its verified social media accounts and official website should be treated as authentic.

“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,” Infotrak said.

The firm added:

“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.”

The fake opinion poll, which spread widely online before the election, carried Infotrak’s logo and branding, making it appear genuine.

It claimed that United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Samuel Muchina Nyagah was leading the race with 54.6 per cent support, while Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) candidate Sammy Douglas Kamau had 41 per cent.

The graphic also listed several other candidates with much smaller percentages. However, observers pointed out mathematical inconsistencies in the figures, raising questions about its credibility.

Infotrak has now made it clear that the poll did not originate from the company and should not be relied upon.

The statement comes amid growing concern over the spread of fake surveys during election campaigns, with misleading opinion polls often shared to influence public perception or confuse voters.

Official IEBC results told a different story

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) declared DCP candidate Sammy Douglas Kamau Waweru, also referred to as Sammy Kamau Ngotho, the winner of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election held on July 16.

According to the official results announced on July 17, Kamau received 35,440 votes, defeating UDA’s Samuel Muchina Nyagah, who garnered 5,450 votes.

Other candidates received significantly fewer votes, with Jubilee Party candidate Wilson Mwaniki Kigwa finishing third on 198 votes, followed by Stephen Wanyoike Waithaka of the National Liberal Party (NLP) with 103 votes.

The election recorded a voter turnout of about 57 per cent, with 41,656 ballots cast from 73,480 registered voters.

The outcome sharply contrasted with the fake opinion poll that had projected a comfortable victory for the UDA candidate.

By-election attracted national attention

The Ol Kalou by-election became one of Kenya’s most closely watched political contests in 2026.

It was triggered by the death of former MP David Kiaraho and was widely viewed as a political contest between President William Ruto’s UDA and the Democracy for the Citizens Party, which is associated with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Senior leaders from both political camps campaigned extensively across the constituency, turning the race into a key test of political influence in the Mt Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The campaign period was marked by claims of voter bribery, violence and intimidation. Journalists covering campaign events also reported attacks by suspected goons, while security agencies deployed heavy police presence on polling day to maintain order.

Following the circulation of the fake survey, Infotrak has urged Kenyans to verify the source of any opinion poll before believing or sharing it.

The company stressed that authentic polls are released only through its verified communication channels.