Kenyans vote in fractious second poll, boycotted by opposition

NAIROBI: Kenyans began voting Thursday in a repeat election that has polarised the nation and is likely to be fiercely disputed in the absence of opposition leader Raila Odinga, who is boycotting the vote, reports AFP.

In stark contrast to the first edition of the election, which was annulled last month by the Supreme Court, many polling stations in the capital and Odinga's strongholds saw only a trickle of voters.

"It is my duty to vote. Last time the queue was all around the block and I waited six hours to vote, this time the people are few," said taxi driver David Njeru, 26, as he waited to cast his ballot in Nairobi's Mathare slum.

Under a steady drizzle, only 50 people stood on the boggy grass outside the Redeemed Gospel Church polling station, where more than 8,000 are registered to vote.

In the Kibera slum, police fired teargas at opposition supporters who tried to set up barricades in front of a polling station, prompting them to lob rocks at the officers. Similar scenes were seen in the western towns of Migori, Siaya and Homa Bay.

The election is the chaotic climax of a political drama that began when the Supreme Court overturned the victory of President Uhuru Kenyatta in the August 8 elections.

It cited "irregularities" and mismanagement by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

Kenyatta, who turns 56 on Thursday, is almost assured victory after veteran opposition leader Odinga withdrew citing fears the poll would be marred by the same flaws which saw the August vote overturned.

Kenyans vote in fractious second poll, boycotted by opposition

NAIROBI: Kenyans began voting Thursday in a repeat election that has polarised the nation and is likely to be fiercely disputed in the absence of opposition leader Raila Odinga, who is boycotting the vote, reports AFP. In stark contrast to the first edition of the election, which was annulled last month by the Supreme Court, many polling stations in the capital and Odingas strongholds saw only a trickle of voters. It is my duty to vote. Last time the queue was all around the block and I waited six hours to vote, this time the people are few, said taxi driver David Njeru, 26, as he waited to cast his ballot in Nairobis Mathare slum. Under a steady drizzle, only 50 people stood on the boggy grass outside the Redeemed Gospel Church polling station, where more than 8,000 are registered to vote. In the Kibera slum, police fired teargas at opposition supporters who tried to set up barricades in front of a polling station, prompting them to lob rocks at the officers. Similar scenes were seen in the western towns of Migori, Siaya and Homa Bay. The election is the chaotic climax of a political drama that began when the Supreme Court overturned the victory of President Uhuru Kenyatta in the August 8 elections. It cited irregularities and mismanagement by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). Kenyatta, who turns 56 on Thursday, is almost assured victory after veteran opposition leader Odinga withdrew citing fears the poll would be marred by the same flaws which saw the August vote overturned.