By John Ikani
As Kenyans await results of the presidential election following voting on Tuesday that was characterised by low turnout, social media platforms have been flooded with conflicting claims over who has won.
The East African powerhouse is a nation where political twists and turns are very much guided by influential online pundits with large followings on platforms such as Twitter and Facebook.
The electoral commission is verifying results forms at the country’s national tallying centre in the capital, Nairobi
The centre is a hive of activity as agents from across the country hand-deliver the actual results sheet for verification.
Provisional results show a tight race between the frontrunners, William Ruto and Raila Odinga.
So in the world of social media speculation, both candidates have already been declared the winner.
Twitter has placed labels on some posts warning users to wait for the official result. There have already been claims of politicians losing their seats only for them later to be announced as winners.
Away from the misinformation, the polls were peaceful with observers
commending the electoral commission for a smooth voting exercise.
The electoral body has seven days after election day to declare the result.
