Kenyan Bloggers have a big role in the august elections

As the General Elections draw closer, Kenyan social media users have proved to be on the forefront to comment, share and analyse current political developments. Most aspirants are heavily utilising social media platforms and its users to transmit their agendas, developing stories and much propaganda.

Some have even gone to the extent of generating their own opinion polls in a quest to drum up their support. Gone are the days when political campaigns were only relayed through radio stations, newspapers and later TV.

Today, politicians have invested in social media platforms such as Whatsapp, Messenger, Twitter, Facebook, with some even going an extra a mile to develop short messages aimed to reach thousands of supporters.

This development of technology has intensified the number of social media campaigners who are either hired or volunteer to support their candidates. Their contributions have in one way or another helped to create awareness of their candidates and their manifestos. In most parts of the country, bloggers are being heavily relied on in updating Kenyans on developing news, current political landscapes and predictions – by propagating opinion polls.

This should be done with high levels of maturity, integrity to foster peace and tranquillity. Elections in any country is a very sensitive activity that should be handled with care. The usage of social media should be handled with care and dissemination of information should be accompanied with integrity. Bloggers should translate their large online followings to create an environment where the electorates and aspirants can actually develop trust, build statements that will unite Kenyans, creating awareness campaigns that will foster peace before, during and after elections.

Authentication of information before its sharing should be well considered. Sometimes hate statements and propaganda can easily fuel chaos in some areas of the country when in the real sense the blogs used were for personal interests.

The law enforcement agencies must look for ways to curb such hate speeches by monitoring platforms that vomit insults. Well established bloggers can set a good example by making use of their large followers to preach peace and serenity ahead of the elections. Propaganda, once released goes viral than real news which can easily cause alarm among citizens. The general media has, therefore, a bigger role in giving timely and credible news.