Raila Odinga (2nd L, front), Kenya's National Super Alliance (NASA) presidential candidate, casts his vote at a polling station in Nairobi, capital of Kenya, Aug. 8, 2017. About 19.6 million Kenyans are flocking to more than 40,000 polling stations across the nation to cast ballots for the election of the country's next president on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Li Baishun)
NAIROBI, Aug. 8 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan presidential candidate Raila Odinga on Tuesday exuded confidence his run would end in victory in his fourth attempt to lead the East African nation.
Speaking to a select group of journalists, including Xinhua, at his Karen home before heading to his polling center in Nairobi's populous Kibera slums, Odinga said his first presidential attempt in 1997 was introductory but his second attempt in 2007 was successful although he was rigged out.
Odinga said this year's vote was a "historic step" for him and his supporters, whom he urged to turn out in large numbers to vote.
"I thank Kenyans for turning up in large numbers to vote. I appeal to each and everyone to participate. They should not miss an opportunity. I am on my way to the Old Kibera Primary School to vote," Odinga said in an interview at his Karen home shortly before leaving.
Odinga voted at the Old Kibera Primary School in Nairobi shortly before midday. "Today is a great day. It is a historic day for the people of Kenya," Odinga said amid cheers from his supporters who had thronged the polling center.
The opposition leader said he would tour polling stations in Nairobi to witness voting and would retreat to his Presidential campaign secretariat to receive reports and updates from his campaign teams.
