Kenya Kwanza presidential flagbearer William Ruto and Martha Karua, presidential running mate to Raila Odinga of One Kenya Coalition were among the very first Kenyans to cast their votes exactly at 6am when official voting time commenced at Kosachei Primary School in Sugoi and Mugumo Primary Polling Station in Gichugu respectively.
Karua cast her vote exactly at 6am while Ruto accompanied by his wife Rachel Ruto voted at 6.15am.
Speaking shortly after casting her vote today morning, Karua said that Kenyans have a chance to determine which direction the country will take.
“I have voted. It’s our day to decide which direction our country will take… Make your voice heard,” she said.
She was the first person to cast her vote at Mugumo primary polling station in Gichugu constituency.
Karua noted that she would have come early but was redirected from her initial polling station after her details were found missing.
She was taken through the six-step procedure and was successfully identified through biometric identification using the KIEMS kits.
She exuded confidence that the coalition will clinch victory in today’s nationwide elections, saying that she has a good feeling about the outcome of the polls.
Karua termed this year’s polls as distinct and as the year when Kenyan voices will be heard.
“There is real possibility that by this evening Kenyans will have decided which way and I have a good feeling about today,” she said.
Addressing the press shortly after voting, Ruto expressed confidence that the nation will remain peaceful and said he expected voters to vote independently.
“I feel very good that after many months of campaigning and speaking to the people of Kenya, this morning is the D-day and we have come to vote. We want a peaceful process,” said Ruto.
“The process of choosing the next leader of Kenya is underway I want to ask all voters to do this exercise, vote peacefully and intentionally. I am confident the people of Kenya will make the right choice.”
“I want to ask the IEBC, you are an independent organisation, we expect that you will carry out this exercise respecting your mandate and we wish you well as you undertake this monumental exercise,” he added.
DP Ruto was also flanked by other leaders among them Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei.
Ruto’s running mate Rigathi Gachagua cast his vote at 7.30am at Sagana Primary polling station in Mathira constituency, Nyeri county.
He was flanked by his wife Pastor Dorcas Wanjiku Rigathi.