Kenyans vote in election re-run, boycotted by opposition

Kenyans are heading to the polls today in a highly contentious presidential election re-run, as the country's main opposition leader, Raila Odinga, has called for a boycott. Polling stations opened at 6 a.m. local time and are set to close at 5 p.m., with over 19 million registered voters eligible to cast their votes. In a live update from Nairobi, CNBC Africa's correspondent Charles Gitonga provided insights into the current situation on the ground. The atmosphere in the capital city, particularly in the CBD areas and the affluent neighborhoods, remains relatively calm. However, reports indicate that there have been significant disturbances in Western Kenya, a stronghold of the NASA coalition led by Raila Odinga. Despite the challenges, the security minister has stated that 90% of the polling stations in that region are operational as of now, although clashes between opposition supporters and security forces have been reported. In contrast, voting in President Uhuru Kenyatta's strongholds has proceeded smoothly. Nevertheless, there has been a notable decrease in voter turnout compared to the initial election on August 8th. Gitonga noted that the situation could change throughout the day as polling stations will remain open until 5 p.m., leaving room for a potential increase in participation as the day progresses. While initial observations revealed a sparse turnout at polling stations, security measures have been implemented to safeguard the electoral process as assured by the security minister. The coastal city of Mombasa has shown a divided response to the election, with reports of both peaceful voting and areas of contention. Addressing the recent attempt to delay the election, Gitonga shed light on the unexpected absence of judges required to hear the petition, raising questions about the political motivations behind the decision. The absence of a quorum due to various reasons such as illness and security concerns has sparked speculation on the judges' intentions. It remains to be seen whether Chief Justice will provide clarification on the matter to address the uncertainties surrounding the judicial process. Amidst the ongoing election, international observers have maintained a relatively low profile compared to previous elections. The European Union, which praised the previous poll for being free and fair, faced a setback after the Supreme Court nullified the results. This development may have contributed to a muted response from observers in the current election cycle. The mixed sentiments within the Kenyan population, with one political faction boycotting the election while eight candidates remain on the ballot, reflect a complex electoral landscape. The absence of a unified participation raises questions about the credibility and outcome of the election. As the voting process unfolds, the behavior of voters from both sides and the extent of participation across all polling stations will shape the final results and influence the observers' assessments. Despite the potential impact of observer statements, the focus of the Kenyan populace seems to remain on the local dynamics and unfolding events within the country.