Voting exercise kicked off without any hitches in most polling stations across Nakuru County with an impressive voter turn-out reported in most polling centres as the country goes into a General Election.
In Nakuru Town East and Nakuru Town West constituencies, polling stations opened at 6am with some centres reporting long queues as early as 5am.
Although some of the voters started queuing at 5:30am, most of the voting centres registered a slow start in the exercise that was largely peaceful and went on smoothly.
Those interviewed said they were impressed by the way the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) had organized the exercise.
“So far so good. We have not witnessed any challenges in the exercise,” said Patrick Makanga, a voter at Baruti Primary School polling station.
In polling stations like Soko Mjinga, Kaptembwo Primary School, Muslim Primary School and Heshima Primary School in Nakuru Town West voting had commenced by 6:15am.
At Kivumbini Primary School, Flamingo Secondary, Menengai Social Hall and Free Area polling stations within Nakuru Town East Constituency the exercise also kicked off at 6.00am under tight security.
Governor Lee Kinyanjui who cast his vote at Crater Primary School expressed confidence that the ongoing voting exercise would run smoothly even as he urged voters to come out in numbers and elect the leaders to form the next government.
He also called on Kenyans to exercise tolerance and restraint as they await results and coexist peacefully.
Kinyanjui expressed confidence that citizens would choose leaders that will take Kenya forward.
“The voting process is progressing on very well. A voter isn’t taking too long and it’s my prayer it continues like that throughout the day,’ said the Governor.
He underscored the importance of those eligible casting their vote saying this would help determine the person who would lead the country.
He added: “Everybody here wants a peaceful process. Our prayer before voting was about having a peaceful election. I am also delighted that this historic election will usher a new era for the country. I want to urge for a peaceful process.”
Meanwhile, Nakuru County IEBC Manager Joseph Mele has confirmed suspension of Member of Parliament elections in Rongai Constituency after a mix-up in the MPs ballot papers.
“The IEBC headquarters in Nairobi will give further communications. That’s all that I can say for now,” he said.
The constituency’s candidates for MP include incumbent Raymond Moi of Kanu, Paul Chebor (UDA) and Luka Kigen (CCM).
By Anne Mwale
