NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 9-The noise of vuvuzela’s and whistles rented the air in many villages across Kenya, hours before the polling stations opened at 6 am on Tuesday.
This was a tactic deployed by politicians from across the divide to mobilize people, wary of a voter’s apathy.
Some 22.1 million registered voters are expected to decide the political fate of East Africa’s wealthiest nation for the next five years.
Being a transitional election, as incumbent President Uhuru Kenyatta retires, a lot is at stake for those seeking to succeed him.
In parts of Kisumu, Nairobi, Rift Valley and Central Kenya, youth blowing vuvuzela and others blowing whistles could be heard as early as 4 am on Tuesday morning.
“I was actually woken up by the noises of people blowing vuvuzela’s,” James Waihenya, a resident of Githunguri in Kiambu County said
In Kondele, Kisumu County, some youth spent the night on the road singing and dancing.
They then embarked on a whistle-blowing spree at 4 am, to wake up the residents for a crucial vote for their longtime leader, the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Alliance presidential candidate Raila Odinga.
Odinga will be facing Kenya Kwanza presidential candidate William Ruto, who is the sitting Deputy President.
Odinga however enjoys the backing up of President Uhuru Kenyatta, who has since fallen out with his Deputy.
Their woes started in 2018 after a shocker handshake between Odinga and Kenyatta, ending a prolonged electioneering Period characterized by violence, loss of lives and destruction of property.
DP Ruto was largely isolated during the Jubilee Government’s second term and his roles were assigned to Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i.
The elections happen against the backdrop of rigging accusations from the leading political outfits.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has however assured of a free, fair and credible election.
The Wafula Chebukati-led commission says all loopholes have been sealed to ensure the integrity of the polls.
The 2017 presidential outcome was successfully challenged in court resulting in a repeat election.
Odinga who was aggrieved boycotted the repeat election giving the incumbent a smooth sail, amidst protests.
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