Presidential candidate Raila Odinga, the ‘Azimio la Umoja’ flag-bearer has said he will not be participating in the presidential debate slated for Tuesday, 26th July 2022.
The former Kenya prime Minister cites his rival’s inclination on dictating the kind of questions to be asked as reason for shunning the debate.
Communication was tailored and delivered through Professor Makau Mutua, the spokesperson of Raila Odinga Presidential Campaign Secretariat.
“The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) presidential candidate, deputy president William Ruto has demanded that the debate should not focus on corruption, integrity, ethics, and governance yet these are the key prevailing questions that Kenya faces and at the core of the Azimio campaign,”said Prof. Mutua in a press statement.
He further revealed that a debate devoid of questions indispensable to Kenyans would be an insult to the intelligence of the populace.“He is a man who has no regard for ethics, public morals, or shame. That is why we do not intend to share a national podium with a person who lacks basic decency. It would be a colossal mistake to reward such a person with a national debate. We will not help his failing campaign. He can explain himself his poor record to voters without our help,” he added.
“In this regard, our candidates opted for a televised town hall face-off with Kenyans at Jericho Social Hall in Nairobi to be with ordinary Kenyans, listen to their challenges and project solutions. They will answer questions put to them by the people of Kenya openly, honestly, and free from what would otherwise be nothing more than empty self-serving political theater,” Asserted Prof Mutua.
Kenya’s 2022 general elections are scheduled to be held on 9 August. Voters will elect the President, members of the National Assembly and Senate, county governors and members of the 47 county assemblies.
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