Oldest voter hopes for great Kenya

By Standard Team

One of the country's oldest voters Milcah Gathoni Njoroge was among thousands of people who braved the chilly morning to cast their votes.

Gathoni, 91, is said to be the second oldest voter to register during the last IIEC registration exercise.

She strolled into St Xavier's Primary School polling station in Nakuru at 8am to make the crucial decision on the county

Holding her elector's card and national ID firmly in her left hand and her walking stick firmly on the right, Gathoni could not hide her joy when she asked to be shown how to vote.

An IIEC official had to assist as she declared she wanted to vote girini (Green).

The granny who has been a victim of the infamous Molo 1992 ethnic clashes and the 2007 post-election violence said the Proposed Constitution would ensure that she lived peacefully at her Mutukanio Farm, Njoro District.

No identity

Elsewhere in Kilgoris, there were fears that some women might not participate in the voting exercise, as their husbands kept their national identity cards.

The local IIEC office said a female voter at Kilgoris County hall poling station did not have the national identity card and claimed her husband kept it and refused to give her as she went to vote.

Local IIEC coordinator, Amos Nyongesa said it was an isolated case and officials proved she was a genuine voter and allowed her to vote.

Nyongesa warned that those found committing such acts would be arrested and prosecuted.


It was also discovered that some of the voters were not conversant with the requirements. Several voters were turned away as they only produced voter

Voter turn out

Voting in Baringo Central and Baringo North constituencies started with a few hitches. Hundreds of residents turned up early to cast their ballot as early as 6 am with long queues being witnessed in most stations.

However voting started late in some polling stations in Baringo Central after polling clerks arrived late due to bad terrain.

The constituency Returning Officer Simiyu Nyongesa said heavy rains that have been pounding the area-damaged roads thus complicating transport.

He said by noon they had registered a 48 percent voters turnout in most polling stations.

In Baringo Central constituency, the voting exercise went on well without a hitch in the 213 polling centres.

Kanu National Vice Chairman Gideon Moi cast his vote at Tandui Primary School polling station at 6.45 am.

Area MP Sammy Mwaita cast his vote at Kitumbei

Primary School polling station at 8.51am and afterwards urged Kenyans to vote peacefully.


In Baringo North, Justice and Constitutional Affairs Assistant Minister William Cheptumo voted at 11 am.

He said the referendum voting was a historic moment for Kenyans and people should be able to exercise their democratic right without fear or intimidation.

Cheptumo urged Kenyans to embrace peace after the polls despite the outcome saying the constitution was for all.


Reports by Steve Mkawale, Leonard Korir And Beatrice Obwocha