Elders from various ethnicities in Bungoma county have urged Kenyans to exercise restraint as they vote in a new set of leaders.
Led by Wafula Simiyu, they said Tuesday's election has generated a lot of heat across the country and the real issues affecting Kenyans have been sidelined.
"Kenyans are complaining of the high cost of living, high prices of maize flour and fuel yet most of the politicians' have been concentrating on how to clinch the positions they are vying for," Simiyu said in Kimilili town on Sunday.
The elders urged Kenyans to maintain peace and shun those bent on riding to power by stoking ethnic animosity.
Simiyu said the election should be a turning point to improve the economy of the country.
Stephen Musani, a council of elders from the Sabaot community, said apart from a few cases of violence, the campaigns have largely been peaceful.
Musani said security officers, the media, elders, churches and non-governmental organisations partnered to ensure Mt Elgon constituency remained peaceful during the campaigns.
He urged residents to vote in peace and wait for the announcement of the results.
The elders' asked the security team to ensure bars are closed the night before the election so that all Kenyans will exercise their constitutional right of voting.
Youth representative Newton Kirui asked young people not to indulge in alcohol during the election period.
According to Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission data, 15,162 candidates vying for various seats will on Tuesday battle at the ballot.
There are four presidential candidates, 266 will seek the governor's seat, 359 for woman representative, 341 for senator, 2,132 will run for members of the National assembly while 12,060 are vying for MCA seats.
Edited by A.N
