Hundreds of thousands of Kenyans on Monday thronged various polling stations countrywide to cast their votes to approve or reject the proposed new constitution.

It is the first overhaul to the charter since Kenya won independence from Britain in 1963.

The historic referendum exercise kicked off at 7 a.m. with many voters arriving as early as 4 a.m. to cast their votes.

No violence has been reported since the polling started early Monday.

Roads Minister Raila Odinga who is leading the critics of the draft charter said immediately after voting that he expected an 80 percent win for the "No" camp.

"I am happy with the voter turnout and we expect to win by 80 percent. I am also confident that we will win by 30 percent margin against the 'Yes' side," Odinga said at a local polling station in his constituency.

"I urge all Kenyans to exercise their right and demonstrate to the world that we people can be peaceful in a democratic process," he told reporters.

"I am positive. The vote will go in our favor. We will not accept a rigged vote," Odinga warned.

Several complaints have been reported across the country over missing names in voters' registers at the polling in the historic referendum.

"We expect the Electoral Commission to provide answers because some of these people voted here in the last general elections and are now being told their names are missing," John Okello, 33, said.

Those affected say they had been assured they would vote and are pursuing the matter with Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK) officials.

ECK commissioner Jack Tumwa has been quick to assure the public that they are working fast to address the complaints.

Security across the country has been increased while the voting takes place, with extra police drafted onto the streets.

The ECK said votes will be counted at the polling stations and initial results are expected later the same day.

About 19,000 local observers and some 150 diplomats are monitoring the vote.

The government is leading the "Yes" campaign under the symbol of a banana while the opposition and a party in the ruling coalition are championing the "No" cause with their symbol of an orange.

The proposed new constitution which Kenyans are voting on has been criticized by proponents of the "No" side who say will strengthen the role of the presidency.

Analysts say the campaign could be a defining moment for Kibaki 's ruling National Rainbow Coalition (NARC).

The coalition won in 2002 on a wave of euphoria after 24 years of rule by former president Daniel arap Moi, but now is in a precarious position because of growing public dissatisfaction.

Violence has dogged the debate, and each side is blaming the other. Protesters from both camps have taken to the streets and there have been clashes reportedly.

Source: Xinhua