Voter turnout in Kenya's marred presidential election rerun pegged at 34%

Kenya’s electoral commission has announced an estimated 34.5 percent voter turnout after the country’s presidential election rerun which was marred by opposition boycott, protests and deadly clashes.

The Independent Electoral Boundaries Commission (IEBC) said on Thursday that 35, 564 polling stations opened for the election out of the 40, 883 in the 47 counties nationwide.

The current percentage is a downward revision of an earlier turnout figure of 48 percent announced by the IEBC.

35,564 polling stations opened in today's poll. Turn-out 48% (est.). 27,124 form 34As have been posted on portal https://t.co/0f0tlSfOVC

— IEBC (@IEBCKenya) October 26, 2017

Voting in four counties, which are opposition strongholds, were postponed to Saturday due to insecurity caused by protesters engaging in running battles with the security forces.

The counties include Migori, Siaya, Kisumu and Homa Bay where protesters who were supporters of the main opposition party National Super Alliance (NASA) led by Raila Odinga failed to stay at home as ordered by their leader.

Three people were reported killed as protesters threw stones at the police who in turn fired tear gas cannisters, water cannons and in some cases used live bullets.

The rerun follows the August 8 presidential election which was annulled by the Supreme Court citing irregularities after a case was filed by the opposition National Super Alliance (NASA) party led by Raila Odinga.

The opposition failed to convince the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to postpone the repeat election beyond the prescribed 60 days after calling for the sack of elections officials.

Despite series of protests and casualties recorded following repression by the police, the IEBC maintained its stance on the election date resulting in the withdrawal of Odinga from the polls.

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