Presidential running mates to face off in debate
It is all systems go as eight presidential running mates are expected to face off with one another at Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Karen on Monday.
It is not, however, clear if Deputy President William Ruto would take part in the debate as earlier reports indicated that would not.
The chairman of the Steering Committee Organising Presidential Debates Wachira Waruru told the Sunday Nation that preparations for the much-awaited event had been finalised.
“We invited them all and expect them to turn up tomorrow (Monday) although none has confirmed attendance,” Mr Waruru said.
THE RUNNING MATES
“There is still time for them to confirm but as a committee, we are prepared for the debate.”
Apart from Mr Ruto and his National Super Alliance (Nasa) counterpart Kalonzo Musyoka, other running mates are Mr Moses Marango for Mr Joseph Nyaga, Mr Titus N’getuny (Mr Abduba Dida), Mr Emmanuel Nzai (Dr Ekuru Aukot) Ms Miriam Mutua (Mr Michael Wainaina) and Mr Eliud Kariara (Mr Japheth Kavinga).
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Last week, the steering committee postponed the presidential debate from July 10 to July 24 after President Kenyatta and National Super Alliance flagbearer Raila Odinga said they would not take part, citing matters to do with organisation.
Jubilee Party Secretary-General Raphael Tuju said the decision for the President’s withdrawal was taken because the debate was being organised “through advertisements in the media by unknown people”.
LIVE COVERAGE
Debate organisers, however, dismissed claims, saying they had been in constant communication with the candidates and that teams attached to the presidential hopefuls had been regularly updated on the progress.
“We wish to clarify that members of the steering committee on the presidential debates have been in constant communication with the campaign teams even before the announcement was made in May,” the company said in the statement last week signed by Mr Waruru.
On Saturday, he maintained that the debate was on.
“The Presidential debate will also go on as planned. Nothing has changed” Mr Waruru told the Sunday Nation in Nairobi.
If the debate takes place, it will be aired live on all top channels.
