WHO: IEBC, Citizen,
WHAT: We have seen an increase in reports concerning violence, especially between 7 pm March 3, 2013 and 12 am (March 4, 2013). It is not clear from the data at this time whether all those acts of violence are due to election, or reports concerning vote bribery. Between 8 pm March 3rd and 2pm, March 4 Thus far, six report indicated peaceful voting (in Eldoret); many others related to incidents of voter intimidation or disruption at polling stations across Kenya. This is particularly pertinent in Umoja (Nairobi), where reports of disruption and voter IDs being stolen seems quite prevalent. One incident in Kipsigak Serem Road named an official (Rep Sakwa) as flagrantly buying votes. The general trend seems to be that polling stations are busy and crowded, and police assistance is not always sufficient to maintain calm and order. Space is consequently limited, with one report in Naivasha of voting taking place in the open air. Voting papers are missing in Nyeri – given acknowledged problems with IEBC this is not surprising. Many of the received reports stem from the Nairobi area, with only a few outside. Considering the levels of violence witnessed so far on the coast, only 2 reports have been verified there (lack of police presence and increased security). Verification of reports from Western has not been completed and no reports from Northern areas of Kenya at the time of release of this report. Critical issues with the voting process were reported within these hours. These ranged from failure of BVR kits to demonstrations and threats of violence, as crowds became impatient at polling centres. Other voter irregularities noted include voter bribery and names missing from the registrar. Meanwhile, in some areas, residents are encouraging each other to vote with motorcycle taxis offering free rides to polling stations.
WHERE: Nairobi, Nyeri, Kipsigak, Naivasha, Mombasa
WHEN: Monday 4th March 2013
HOW: SMS
