DP William Ruto, Martha Karua first to vote at their respective polling stations

DP William Ruto (L) and Martha Karua cast their votes at their respective polling stations. [Courtesy]

Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya deputy presidential candidate Martha Karua was the first person to cast her vote at the Mugumo Primary School polling station in Gichugu, Kirinyaga County on Tuesday.

Karua arrived at the polling station at 5:50am, and was cleared to vote at 6am. She, however, took 11 minutes to vote.

Deputy President William Ruto, who is running for president on the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Party, also cast his ballot at 6am. To

He voted at Kosachei Primary School in Sugoi, Turbo Constituency in Uasin Gishu County shortly after holding prayers with his wife, Rachel, at their home.

Ruto was the first person to be cleared to vote at the Kosachei centre.

"It's during such moments that the mighty and powerful realise that it's the simple and the ordinary people that eventually make the choice," Ruto said while addressing journalists after casting his vote early Tuesday.

"It's upon all of us to respect the choices of the people of Kenya. I look forward to a victorious day. I ask all voters to come out and vote peacefully and deliberately," added Ruto.

On her part, Karua said: "I urge all Kenyan voters to come out and vote. It's our day to determine the direction that Kenya takes [moving forward]. And we can only do this by making our voices heard. There is a real possibility that by today evening, it would be known who Kenyans have chosen to lead them and I have a good feeling about this day."