Deputy President William Ruto has asked God to frustrate any rigging attempt during Tuesday’s election.
Via Twitter, Ruto prayed for Kenyans and against lies and confusion in the election that will see he and President Uhuru Kenyatta taken on NASA chief Raila Odinga and his running mate Kalonzo Musyoka.
“God in heaven, silence every rumour and lie, frustrate any scheme to rig or steal…destroy any plan for chaos, confusion or violence. Amen.”
On Monday, the President called for peace and reiterated that people should go home and wait for results there after voting
Kenyans wait to cast their ballots at Westlands Primary School in Nairobi, August 8, 2017. /JOSEPH OLWENY
QUEUES, NO BUSES
Members of the public reported to polling stations that open at 6am, some as early as 1am, to vote for their choice candidate.
This was the story in many areas of Mombasa, Nairobi, Kisumu, Murang’a and Siaya.
A Mombasa resident said: “Nimekuja kupiga kura hapa Nyali. Nilikuja hapa saa nane na natarajia kumaliza mapema ili nirudi nyumbani (I have come to vote here in Nyali. I came as early as 2am and I expect to go home early).
Many Kenyans have travelled upcountry, either to vote or in anticipation of violence. Matatus and other PSVs were few in number and a spot check by The Star indicated voters waited at bus stations for long.
“Nimesimama hapa tangu saa kumi…hakuna gari. Mimi nitarudi tu nyumbani (I have been standing here since 4am. I will just go back home),” a Nairobi woman said.
Kenyans wait to cast their ballots at Westlands Primary School in Nairobi, August 8, 2017. /JOSEPH OLWENY
HOT PRESIDENTIAL CONTENT
The election is key for Uhuru (55), the son of Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, who wants a second and final term. Raila, 72, is the son of the nation’s first vice president who is vying for the top seat for the fourth time.
The NASA flag bearer has said he would not complain of rigging but he has done so many times and even alleged a plot involving Kenya Defence Forces.
Raila has gone all out to seal all possible rigging loopholes he believes could deny him “a third victory” in a do-or-die rematch with Uhuru.
In what is probably his last stab at the top job, he has engaged in an unrelenting, aggressive and complex in-and-out of court battle to eliminate all possible electoral theft.
Away from the public glare, the Opposition leader and his National Super Alliance brigade have written tens of letters to IEBC chiefs, seeking, among others, assurances that the election will be tamper-proof.
Raila insists his victory was stolen in 2007 and in 2013.
In his latest interview, he said he will accept defeat on August 8 on two conditions: If all voters are identified through biometrics and the Al Ghurair company does not print the presidential ballot papers.
IEBC called on Kenyans to turn out in large numbers to vote saying proper measures have been put in place to overcome several challenges that have been identified.
