Mt Kenya voters brave chilly weather, heavy rains to vote
Chiakariga MCA John Njagi Mucee (in white shirt) in Tharaka Constituency helps an elderly man to a polling station. The MCA helped ferry the sick and elderly in the area to vote. PHOTO | ALEX NJERU | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Few voters turned out in the morning but a higher turnout was witnessed later as the weather became better.
- Nasa election boycott will further divide the country, presidential candidate Joseph Nyagah says.
Former President Mwai Kibaki and presidential candidate Joseph Nyagah were among voters who cast their ballots in an election marked by a high voter turnout in the Mt Kenya region.
Residents braved the chilly weather and heavy rains on Thursday to vote.
Some travelled from Nairobi while others were brought in ambulances and on stretchers.
HEAVY RAIN
Mr Kibaki, 84, cast his vote accompanied by former Othaya MP Mary Wambui at Munaini Primary School in Othaya Town, Nyeri County.
He arrived at the polling station at 1pm with a large security detail in a motorcade of four vehicles. Also accompanying him was Nyeri County Commissioner Ngumo Karuku.
Mr Nyagah described the repeat presidential poll as a “sad day”, expressing concern over failure by the National Super Alliance (Nasa) supporters to participate in it. He said this would divide the country further.
The former Cooperatives minister called for dialogue between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Nasa leader Raila Odinga, saying the current impasse has split the country.
DIVISION
Speaking after voting at JN Mwonge Primary School in Mbeere South Constituency, Mr Nyagah said the various court cases filed over the repeat poll will only accelerate the division caused by the August 8 poll.
Though the early morning turnout was lower than it was on August 8, the number of voters continued to increase as the weather cleared and only a few hitches were reported.
Most polling centres had more than 70 per cent turnout.
Thousands of mobilisers hired by local MPs started blowing whistles and vuvuzelas in the villages from 4am to wake up residents to go and vote.
A spot check by Nation at various polling stations in Kirinyaga and Murang’a counties revealed long queues.
"I don't care about the cold and the rains, I just want to ensure that before doing my house chores, I [have] cast my vote," Ms Joyce Nduta, who was among the early risers at Mukuyu polling station, told Nation.
INMATES
At least 85 inmates in Murang’a prisons voted.
Officer in Charge Bison Madegwa said some inmates released between August and October also returned to vote.
“Those who have been allowed to vote are excited and wish that in future everyone in custody will be in a position to obtain their identity card and vote,” he said.
Inmate Meshack Macharia said an opportunity to participate in the election made him feel like a free man.
PATIENTS
Elsewhere, the Nyeri County government hired 10 matatus and also used county ambulances to ferry patients from hospitals to various polling centres.
Two of the matatus were deployed to private hospitals, including Consolata Hospital Mathari.
New mothers whose polling stations were within the hospital's vicinity also left their children in the care of nurses to go and vote.
More than 100 patients accompanied by nurses were taken out to cast their ballots.
Ms Elizabeth Wangechi, 63, said she must vote to ensure the country moves forward.
Mr John Kahumbi, 52, despite being confined to a wheelchair, said he had to vote to show his patriotism.
