Rwanda goes to the polls

Rwandan Electoral Commission officials wait for voters at the Rwandan Embassy in Nairobi [George Orido, Standard]

Rwandans in Kenya woke up early to vote for their next president, a day before the country’s General Election.

The first to cast his vote at the Rwandan Embassy in Nairobi was Ambassador James Kimonyo, who was impressed by the high turnout of the Rwandan population in Kenya.

Some voters had travelled from as far as Eldoret and Turkana to vote.

Others went to the second polling station in the country that was located in Mombasa. The two polling stations had a combined 3,000 registered voters.

“Many voters who are going to work came here very early as well as those who have engagements such as examinations, and they have already voted,” said Mr Kimonyo.

He noted this was an important opportunity for all Rwandans to decide on their country’s leadership and urged all Rwandans not to miss it.

There were sizeable queues as Rwandan Electoral Commission officials conducted the elections in a peaceful and calm environment.

The queues included mothers with babies, some nursing, in a show of determination to exercise their right to choose the country’s leaders for the next seven years.

“I have come here to vote because I believe my vote counts,” said 30-year-old Noeline Kampogo.

According to Rwanda Electoral Commission Executive Secretary Charles Munyaneza, the diaspora votes a day before the country of 12 million people in an election that is widely believed will give President Paul Kagame a third term in office.

An exit poll among 20 voters conducted by at the embassy polling station revealed 100 per cent votes in favour of Mr Kagame.

“My vote goes to my President Paul Kagame because he has done very well, giving hope where there was none and making Rwanda take its rightful place among the community of nations,” said Irene Ndikumwenayo after voting.

Kagame is widely expected to cruise to a third term in office.

The 59-year-old leader faces two little-known candidates who were given only three weeks to campaign against the incumbent, who has kept a tight hold on power since his rebel army ended the 1994 genocide.

Observers say Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana face an unwinnable battle.