Azimio – One Kenya presidential candidate Raila Odinga has pulled out of the long-awaited presidential debate, citing Deputy President William Ruto’s alleged demands to skip debating on the critical issues of corruption, integrity, ethics, and governance during the debate that is slated on Tuesday, 26th July 2022 at Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA).
Scattering Raila’s decision to skip the debate, Elgeyo Marakwet senator Kipchumba Murkomen has claimed that Raila feared debating with the second in command in a presidential debate tier after Kenya Kwanza running mate nominee Rigathi Gachagua outshone Martha Karua for deputy president debate tier.
Murkomen said that the former prime minister Raila Odinga is unable to face Ruto for the debate.
“Considering that Hon.Rigathi Gachagua obliterated Martha Karua- the Deputy Project, we can all understand why the Project is unable to face the 5th President HE William Samoei Ruto. This game is over. Kuzimia should just concede defeat instead of fighting IEBC” said Murkomen.
Makau Mutua’s take
According to Raila Odinga’s presidential secretariat spokesperson Makau Mutua, Raila opted not to share a podium with Deputy President William Ruto for the presidential debate tier alleging that the Kenya Kwanza flag bearer had demanded that debate evades critical issues of corruption, integrity ethics and governance.
“He has no regard for ethics, public morals, or shame. That is why he has demanded that the debate not focus on corruption, integrity, ethics and governance – the existential questions that Kenya faces. These issues sit at the core of Azimio’s campaign. Any debate devoid of these questions would be an insult to the intelligence of Kenyans” added the statement.
Raila is however set to hold a similar televised event at Jericho Social Hall in Eastlands on Tuesday 26th July 2022.
ODM party leader Raila Odinga
The Roots Party presidential candidate George Luchiri Wajackoyah had also hinted at skipping the debate if tied with Agano Party’s David Waihiga Mwaure for the presidential debate.
