Senior citizens defy age, failing health to choose preferred leaders

Mathias Mulongo, 98, was among hundreds of voters who arrived at the Indangalasia Primary School polling station in Matungu Constituency, Kakamega County, to cast his ballot.

He said he was at the polling station by 5am but had to wait for eight hours before he was allowed to vote.

"I am happy because I have never failed to vote since Kenya got her independence," he said.

Mulongo said he voted for the late presidents Jomo Kenyatta, Daniel Moi and Mwai Kibaki and outgoing President Uhuru Kenyatta.

"I will go home and wait for the results a happy man because I have exercised my democratic right," he said.

In Baringo County, Targok Cheptoo, 102, was ferried to Kimorok Primary School polling station where she voted.

At Ebukhwale village in Khwisero Sub-county, Risper Mukoyo, 108, was brought to Ebukwala polling station on a motorcycle to cast her vote.

"My deteriorating health and age could not deny me a chance to vote, that is why I came here," she said.

Charity Ruguru Karindi, 93, casts her ballot at Kiamugumo Primary School in Gichugu, Kirinyanga County. [Andrew Simon, Standard]

Before voting at Sagana Primary School in Nyeri County, Kenya Kwanza deputy presidential candidate Rigathi Gachagua assisted his aunt Gladys Gathoni, 91, who was confined to a wheelchair, to cast her ballot.

Samuel Mcharo, 79, from Mombasa, said he woke up at 4am to go and vote.

"I didn't even take tea in the morning. I decided to come and vote first before doing anything," he said.

After casting his vote, Mcharo left the station for home, where he said he would follow proceedings from the rest of the country on TV.

"I will be watching TV in my house to see what is happening in other parts of the country," he said.

IEBC officials gave vulnerable groups preferential treatment to exercise their democratic and constitutional rights to elect leaders of their choice. Susan Warombo, who is living with a disability, said she was happy to vote.

[Report by John Shilitsa and Daniel Chege, Julius Chepkwony and Renson Mnyamwezi]