AKIPRESS.COM - People are voting in Kenya's general election amid fears that the result could trigger communal violence, BBC reports.

On the eve of the vote, President Uhuru Kenyatta appealed for calm in a televised speech.

He urged the 19 million registered voters to turn out in great numbers, but "in peace". Queues formed early and some minor stampedes were reported.

The contest pits Mr Kenyatta against his long-time rival, Raila Odinga, and is seen as too close to call.

Mr Kenyatta, the 55-year-old son of Kenya's founding president, is seeking a second and final term in office.

The final week of campaigning has been marred by the murder of a top election official and claims of vote-rigging.

Chief EU observer Marietje Schaake said polling stations were busy and people were eager to cast their vote.

"Today is a very important day for Kenyans. We hope these elections will be peaceful, credible and transparent," she said at Nairobi's Moi Avenue primary school polling station.

Observers say the leading candidates both avoided inflammatory speeches as polling day drew closer.

In 2007, more than 1,100 Kenyans died and 600,000 were displaced after a disputed election - an outcome neither side wants to see repeated.

This time long, snaking queues were seen at some polling stations, and video footage at one showed people injured on the ground after an apparent stampede.