People queue to vote in Kenya. Photograph by @Nairoboy
Machete-wielding separatists left at least 13 dead in Kenya as millions of people turned out in historic numbers to cast their votes on March 4, 2013 in one of the most watched general elections in Africa since the country’selections in 2007 ended in ethnic bloodshed.
Sporadic acts of violence marred the otherwise peaceful election, the country’s first under its new 2010 constitution. Voters chose candidates for president, members of parliament, county governors, senators, county assembly representatives, and women county representatives.
Official results are expected to be announced by March 11, 2013.
Many were concerned over a possible repeat of the violence that exploded after the 2007 presidential elections. More than 1,100 people were killed and 600,000 were displaced after those disputed election results triggered clashes between tribes.
The National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders branch in Kenya (@nchrdkenya) reported that armed men were allegedly breaking into homes and stealing IDs during election day 2013 [Global Voices has not confirmed this report]:
But despite fears of renewed violence, voters turned out by the millions:
Early predictions indicated that the high turnout could shatter the record set with the 2010 constitution referendum, according to National Media Editor Charles Onyango-Obbo (@cobbo3):
Voters, some sick, walked many miles to exercise their democratic right:
Long queues were reported in many polling stations with some voters having to wait for hours before casting their votes. One woman went into labour before casting her vote:
However, some voters such as Harry Karanja (@startupkenya) spent no time at all in a queue:
Njambi Kiburio (@NjambiII) remained optimistic about the elections:
Some netizens argued that foreign media outlets only focused on bad news. Twitter user @Owitiewrote that Kenyans can report their own stories:
Small business owner Ian Cox (@IanECox) pondered the possibility of Uhuru Kenyatta, who is facing charges at the international criminal court following the 2007 post-election violence, winning the presidential election:
Some praised the performance of Kenya’s Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission. Entertainer Kabochi Gakau (@Kaytrixx) noted that the commission is better organised than the 2007 elections:
Others had a humorous take on the elections:
Finally, friends of Kenya sent love and good wishes on Twitter:
Written by Ndesanjo Macha