The D-Day took place in Kenya. Tuesday’s election had a long queue of people waiting to cast their votes. The president, senators, governors, parliamentarians, female representatives, and over 1,500 county officials will be chosen by the country’s 22.1 million registered voters.
People lined up to vote in the general elections, which were taking place against a backdrop of rising food and fuel prices, a drought that has left millions hungry, and a deep disenchantment with the political establishment, especially among young people, well before 3 am GMT, the official opening hour for polls.
Deputy President Wiliam Ruto voted at a primary school in Uasin Gishu, Western Kenya, with the help of his wife Rachel Ruto.
The 55-year-old is seen as one of the front-runners in the contest for president. Raila Odinga, who has been vying for the presidency for 25 years, is another prominent contender. David Mwaure and George Wajackoyah, both attorneys, are also running.
Stern security
Recent polls indicated that Raila edged out Ruto by a small margin, but there is still much at stake. For the first time in its history, Kenya would have to stage a run-off election if neither of the top candidates receives more than 50% of the vote.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission is under pressure to guarantee a free and fair election since official results must be declared within a week of the vote.
Kenyans can cast their ballots until 2:00 PM GMT. Although both Odinga and Ruto have urged a peaceful vote, there are still worries that if the losing candidate disputes the results, as is generally anticipated, the unrest may turn into street warfare.
More than 150,000 cops are on duty, tightening security.
