• Nyeri and Kirinyaga counties had better turnout compared to Kiambu and Murang'a.
• Downpour in parts of Central in the early morning impeded turnout as well.
Voters in Central Kenya braved morning rain that pounded most parts of the region to cast their votes amid fears of low voter turnout.
There were morning showers in almost all the counties in the Central region.
In Kirinyaga, there was a downpour that kept most voters indoors.
However, unlike in the past, when long queues would be seen at polling stations, fewer voters turned out on Tuesday.
The region has in previous general elections witnessed massive voter turnout.
In previous polls, the region was rocked with excitement and enthusiasm as voters were rallied at midnight to wake up and go to polling stations.
The fact that the region is not fronting a front-runner in the presidential election could be attributed to the slowed down voter turnout.
Low voter turnout was conspicuous at President Uhuru Kenyatta's Gatundu South backyard, where the head of state cast his vote at around 9am on Tuesday.
The President, who was accompanied by First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, voted at Mutomo polling station. The First Lady had earlier cast her vote in Lavington, Dagoretti North constituency.
Uhuru exuded confidence that many Kenyans would show up and vote.
“People should vote peacefully and go home to wait for the results,” the President said after voting.
He praised the IEBC preparations, saying he hoped the situation would remain the same throughout voting day.
“It was very swift, I have not taken long,” Uhuru said.
Mama Ngina Kenyatta had earlier cast her vote at Mutomo polling station.
In Nyeri county, there was relatively good voter turnout, although less than the numbers witnessed in 2017.
Rigathi Gachagua, the running mate of Deputy President William Ruto who voted at Sagana Primary School, hailed the turnout.
He said he was elated by ‘high’ turnout in Mt Kenya region, adding that many residents who turned up in large numbers in 2017 to vote had been disillusioned by the high cost of living.
“I am excited by the high turnout. By 3am many people had queued to elect leaders of their choice,” Gachagua said.
He said the voting showed it was difficult to rig by "introducing dead voters or stuffing of ballot papers".
“I am confident the will of the people will prevail,” Gachagua said.
In Kirinyaga county, voters braved the chilly weather to exercise their democratic right at polling stations.
Although the turnout was fairly impressive compared to Kiambu and Murang'a, the numbers were low compared to 2017.
Voters started streaming in their respective stations as early as 5am as they awaited for the presiding officers to open polling stations at 6am.
Many of those who spoke to the Star hailed the IEBC for putting together an organised exercise as they exuded confidence of a fruitful and credible exercise.
In Murang'a, Governor Mwangi Wa Iria said people should not fail to vote just because he is not on the ballot.
Wa Iria was initially vying for the presidency, but the IEBC failed to clear him.
“Come out and vote for the leaders of your choice. I am not on the ballot and I have also cast my vote. When the law allowed it, I gave you my political stand,” he said.
In Kiambu county, traders continued with their businesses as most polling stations witnessed low voter turnout.
At Kibagare Primary school, which has 2,160 registered voters, some queues were recording less than 10 voters every half hour.
“We are voting very quickly. No one is taking more than half an hour in the polling station. During the last election, the queues were so long that one could count more than 100 people ahead. Today things are different,” voter Simon Waweru said.
Salome Wanja, who runs an eatery, said she opened her businesses and was releasing her workers in shifts to participate in this year’s general elections.
“I have 10 workers and I could not close my business since I pay my workers every day and they need that money just like I do. However, they are moving very fast and I am sure we all will participate in this year's election,” she told the Star.
Edited by A.N