Raila Odinga and William Ruto coalitions splash millions on Facebook campaigns

Raila Odinga and William Ruto campaign billboards. [File, Standard]

Politicians are spending millions of shillings on Facebook direct marketing campaigns, with users in Nairobi, Rift Valley and Central being the top targeted areas.

The social media tool is helping politicians catch the attention of voters as the country gears for the August 9 General Election that will see 16,100 aspirants contest different seats. Data from social networking giant Meta, which owns the Facebook platform, shows that political digital adverts targeting Nairobi region between March 11, 2021, and July 15, 2022, cost Sh3.31 million.