Kenya votes on new proposed constitution

Written By:Rose Kamau/ , Posted: Wed, Aug 04, 2010


Long lines of voters formed before sunrise across the country early Wednesday, as voters cast ballots on a new constitution.

Prime Minister Raila Odinga cast his vote at Old Kibera Primary School in Langata Constituency, Nairobi.

Raila who was accompanied by his wife Ida cast his vote at 10.20 am. expressed optimism that the proposed constitution would pass by more than 70 percent.

Raila said Wednesday marked an important day in the history of the country saying Kenyans had for long yearned for a new constitution.

He said Kenyans had shown maturity in the way they had carried themselves during the referendum period noting that no ugly incidents had been reported so far.

Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka cast his ballot shortly after ten am at Tseikuru Primary School.

Musyoka also expressed confidence that Kenyans would endorse the new constitution. He described the exercise as crucial as it would determine the future of the country.
"I am proud to be part of this history. It is a very exciting moment for me," the VP said.

The Vice President appealed to Kenyans to accept the out come of the referendum either way, saying Kenyans must put the contest behind and move forward as people of one nation.

Mr. Musyoka said there was need to have a post referendum consultative forum where Kenyans get an opportunity to dialogue and heal differences that may have resulted from the referendum contest.

Meanwhile, retired President Daniel Arap Moi earlier cast his vote at Moi Primary School in Kabarak and called on Kenyans to maintain peace regardless of the outcome of the vote.

The de facto leader of the No camp William Ruto cast his ballot at Kasojei primary school in Eldoret North.

He said the referendum should not divide Kenyans but should instead bring unity saying that those who have been spreading rumors of insecurity were bent on bringing chaos to the country.

He called on the security officers to execute their duties responsibly to ensure peace prevails in the country during and after the exercise adding that true democrats should accept the result of the referendum.

Elsewhere Kenyans woke up early to participate in the historic moments with long queues witnessed before 6am which was the official opening time.

In Kasarani constituency which has the third highest number of registered voters in the country, long queues could be witnessed with the voters expressing satisfaction that the exercise was relatively fast compared to past polls.

94 prisoners at the Kisumu's kodiaga prison joined millions of other Kenyans in deciding on which legislation framework will guide the country in future.

The polling station opened at around 8:30 am due to what was termed as procedure at the correctional facility.

Kisumu locals thronged several polling stations in the area to cast their votes most polling stations were opened for voting at 6 am as planned.

The region has largely been in support of the proposed constitution and it is expected that over 70% of the slightly over 1.6 million registered voters in Nyanza will cast their votes in favor of the draft.

Amongst Nyanza regionl leaders who have already cast their votes are MPs Aluoch Olago, Ayiecho Olwenyi, Edick Anyanga and medical services minister Anyang Nyongo.

Out of the 47 inmates who registered as voters at Thika GK Prison 35 had already voted by 7 am.