- So many people waited for the day to become warm since the day was so cold
- The residents have asked the IEBC to add them more time.
Image: GEORGE MUGO
Voters in Limuru constituency, Kiambu county, have urged the IEBC to extend the voting time due to the chilly weather.
They said the cold morning weather made them not turn up in large numbers earlier.
Those who come from tea-growing areas of Mabroukie, Kiawaroga and Nazareth said the queues were long and the Kiems kit could not identify them.
Simon Mwangi, a tea picker, said his fingerprints are damaged and the kit could not identify him.
"I was not alone, some even tried to wash their hands more than once but the kit still could still not identify them" Mwangi said.
"This has made the exercise move slowly soI urge the IEBC to add us more time to vote and they should not block anyone who comes after 5 pm," he said.
Nominated MCA Mercy Nungari, who is contesting for Kiambu woman representative seat on the Tujibebe ticket, also said the voters should be added more time.
“The problem was the weather and Kiems kits. I was forced to repeat the verification because the kits could not pick my fingerprints too," Nungari said.
"Can you imagine those tea pickers' hands? I know them since I also used to pick tea. Their hands are rough and it's not easy to pick their fingerprints."
They spoke at Kiawaroga Primary School, where Nungari too cast her vote on Tuesday.
Nungari also asked residents to keep peace and accept the results of the elections.
Another challenge was witnessed at Kirathimo social hall polling stations where Kiems kits also took long to identify voters.
The voting exercise also started late at Limuru Town Primary School polling station when IEBC officials realised that the MP ballot box was missing.
A polling clerk who did not want to be named said it had been left at the tallying centre by mistake. It was eventually brought and voting started after 6:20 am.
(Edited by Tabnacha O)