6.5 million voters turned out, Chebukati confirms

IEBC chairperson Wafula Chebukati now says that latest actual figures from 267 constituencies show that 6,553,858 Kenyans turned out to vote in Thursday’s repeat presidential election.

Through his official twitter handle, Chebukati says that “the 48% was a BEST estimate turnout from the team. Latest actual figures from 267 constituencies show 6,553,858 Kenyans turned out to vote.

The 48% was a BEST estimate turnout from the team. Latest actual figures from 267 constituencies show 6,553,858 Kenyans turned out to vote. https://t.co/F01ewf79kT

— Wafula Chebukati (@WChebukati) October 26, 2017

In his earlier update on the election process, Chebukati had approximated the voter turnout as of 5.00 pm on Thursday to be at 48%.

During that live address to the country at the Bomas of Kenya, Chebukati revealed that 5,319 out of the 40,883 polling stations across the country did not open while 35,564-representing 87% of the total polling stations opened in the country.

“Out of the 40,883 polling stations, 35,564 polling stations opened or sent an opening message meaning that voting took place,” said Chebukati.

The IEBC boss also noted that as at 9:00 pm the commission had received 27,124 Forms 34A from different polling stations across the country representing 80 per cent.

“So far we have received 27,124 forms 34 A which are both in the back end and in the public portal which means this is part of what forms 80 per cent of the 35,564 polling stations which opened this morning,” revealed Chebukati.

He also confirmed that election process will be postponed to Saturday in some constituencies in addition to Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay and Migori counties as announced by the commission earlier in the day.

“We might have to postpone the election in some other constituencies other than those in Siaya, Migori, Kisumu and Homa Bay to Saturday due to bad weather or security reasons but we will give you a comprehensive list and it will be gazzetted tomorrow for purposes of voting on Saturday,”  added Chebukati.