The article examines how political influence in Kenya has shifted from vernacular radio stations to social media influencers, bloggers, and online content creators.

It draws parallels between the role played by vernacular radio during the deadly 2007/08 post-election violence and the current influence of digital platforms such as TikTok, X, Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.

During the 2007 crisis, trusted ethnic-language radio stations were accused of spreading inflammatory narratives that contributed to violence that left around 1,500 people dead and hundreds of thousands displaced.

The article revisits the controversial ICC case involving former KASS FM presenter Joshua Arap Sang as an example of how media influence became tied to political mobilisation.

The story further explains how internet growth and smartphone access transformed political communication in Kenya, especially during the 2017 and 2022 elections, where bloggers and influencers increasingly shaped public narratives.

Reports from organisations such as Mozilla Foundation and NCIC raised concerns about misinformation, ethnic fear-mongering, and propaganda spreading rapidly online.The article also highlights the 2024 Gen Z protests against the Finance Bill as a major turning point in digital activism.

Social media enabled young Kenyans to organise demonstrations, educate each other, and challenge government narratives without traditional political leadership.However, the same platforms were also used for intimidation, propaganda, and online attacks.

Experts interviewed in the piece argue that economic hardship and unemployment have pushed many young people into political blogging and influencing as a source of income.

Analysts warn that unverified online narratives, sensational content, and politically sponsored digital campaigns could deepen polarisation ahead of the 2027 elections unless citizens become more critical and responsible consumers of information.