Martha Karua votes in Gichugu

Ms. Karua cast her ballot some minutes past 6am on Tuesday at Mugumoini Primary School in Kimunye before rallying Kenyans to turn out in large numbers and exercise their democratic right.

“I have voted, as you can see from the ink on my finger. Kindly, get out and vote. Today is our day to determine the direction this country takes, make your voice count,” she said.

The polling stations opened at 6.am on Tuesday. 

Elsewhere in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya Kwanza presidential candidate and Deputy President William Ruto cast his ballot at Kosachei Primary School in Sugoi at around 6:15am.

DP Ruto called for peace from Kenyans, saying: "The process of choosing the next leader of Kenya is underway. I want to ask all voters to do this exercise, vote peacefully and intentionally. I am confident the people of Kenya will make the right choice.”

The nation's 22,120,458 registered voters will go to the polls this year to elect 290 Members of the National Assembly, 1,450 Members of County Assembly, 47 senators, governors and woman representatives, as well as President Uhuru Kenyatta’s successor.

The presidential race has attracted four contenders: George Wajackoyah of the Roots Party, David Mwaure of the Agano Party, Dr. Ruto of Kenya Kwanza, and Azimio's Raila Odinga.

The election has drawn 63 political parties, with at least 11,330 candidates running for various seats.

The grand political contest has also drawn 3752 independent candidates vying for various seats across the country.

According to IEBC election data, 261 women are running for County MP seats across the counties, while 1,473 people are running for Member of Parliament seats.

Other candidates include 9,142 people who are running for county assembly seats, while 183 and 263 people are running for governor and senator, respectively.