A 91-year-old woman travelled all the way from Nairobi to Nyeri, approximately 150 kilometres, to vote for Kenya Kwanza's presidential running mate, Rigathi Gachagua, on Tuesday, August 9.
Gathoni Njoroge Mwai, escorted Gachagua to cast their votes at their polling station at Sagana Primary School in the Mathira constituency.
Mwai reportedly insisted on travelling to Mathira to exercise her democratic right and to honour her friendship with Gachagua's late mother, Martha Kirigo who succumbed to cancer in December 2019.
"My flesh and heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Our mother, Martha Kirigo Gachagua, went to be with the Lord," Gachagua eulogised his mother in 2019.
Mwai and Gachagua were assisted to vote by Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) officials at the polling station. The former Mathira MP exuded confidence in the commission's ability to conduct free and fair elections.
"It is impossible to introduce dead voters in this election and to stuff ballot papers. I am certain the will of the people by this evening will prevail," the deputy presidential hopeful stated after voting.
This was despite the Kiems kits having initially failed to validate his biometrics. The issue was swiftly handled after a few delays.
“Thank you very much, finally the day is here. This is a defining moment for millions of Kenyans. I am very excited by the high voter turnout.
"We are delighted and extremely impressed by the level of preparedness by the IEBC. The voting is seamless and where voters cannot be identified biometrically, like the case of my 91-year-old aunt," he added.
Several prominent leaders including President Uhuru Kenyatta, Azimio presidential running mate, Martha Karua, and UDA presidential candidate William Samoei Ruto also cast their votes.
