Two days ago, Kenyans exercised their right to vote in overwhelming numbers. Over 14 million voters (+70%) cast ballots in national and provincial elections on Monday. The patriotism involved in standing up in such masses is moving. With the violence of the last election fresh and traumatizing in everyone's minds, poll lines were quiet, and long. Our housekeeper waited in line 11 hours to vote and, like many others, arrived to queue hours before the sun even rose. Now... everyone is waiting.
Waiting to see what will happen with more than 300,000 "invalid" votes.
Waiting for the official result to be called.
Waiting to see if schools will reopen.
Waiting to go back to work, just in case.
Waiting for their neighbors, colleagues, and fellow citizens to nod acceptance.
Waiting in case the result can't be accepted.
Extra guards patrol the grounds of most places that can afford them. Extra soldiers patrol the streets. Public transportation moves quickly but infrequently through quiet streets. "How are things there?" people keep asking me over email and Facebook. They seem calm - for Nairobi - but I just can't tell.
The whole country is holding its breath.
By car, elephant, and rickshaw
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