Voting kicks off in most parts of Kenya

The Voting exercise kicked off at around 6am in most parts of Kenya as citizens took to the ballot on Tuesday to elect their fifth president and other leaders. Security has been tightened in most polling stations across the country.

In Gatundu Primary School in Gatundu South Constituency, voters were already in queues with some of the residents turning to vuvuzelas to wake their neighbours up from as early as 3am.

Deputy president William Ruto was among the first Kenyans to cast their vote. He arrived at just two minutes before the polling stations were opened, accompanied by his wife Rachel. Speaking after casting his ballot at 6am at Kosachei Primary School in Turbo Constituency, Dr Ruto said because of his stature, and political clout he felt voting during the day would become an unnecessary inconvenience to those who would be in the queues. 

Azimio la Umoja presidential candidate Raila Odinga arrived at Old Kibera polling station to a triumphant welcome. He arrived at the polling station a few minutes to 10.30 am, accompanied by his wife Mama Ida Odinga.

In Machakos County, queues started from 5am, with voters peacefully lining up at Katani Primary School polling station in Muthwani ward hoping to get done with the process early enough. The elderly, expectant and lactating mother’s are among those who are being given priority to vote owing to their condition which does not allow them to queue for long hours.

Tuesday’s presidential election, according to latest opinion polls, is considered a two-horse race between Deputy President William Ruto, 55, and veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga, 77. More than 16,000 candidates are vying for 1,879 elected positions, including members of the Senate, the National Assembly, the County Assembly and governors.