Optimism as Kenyans go to the ballot

By CAPITAL REPORTER | March 4, 2013

Poll-officials check ballot papers before being distributed to polling stations on March 3 in Kakamega/AFP

NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 4 – Long queues were witnessed across Kenya on Monday morning as voters lined up to cast ballots in historic polls under a new Constitution.

In Nairobi, voters had formed winding queues as early as 4am, two hours before the official time for opening polling stations.

In Kisumu, the town woke up to sounds of people blowing vuvuzelas and whistles to rally other voters to get up and go to vote.

Long queues were reported in most polling centres in the lakeside city.

Young men who had assigned themselves the role of waking up and mobilising voters went in open pickups, motorcycles or bicycles around most city estates to ensure nobody remained at home.

A spot check at various polling stations in Kisumu Central constituency ascertained long queues had formed as early as 4.30am.

IEBC staff were readying themselves for the momentous exercise.

Polling is expected to kick off at 6am and end at 5pm.