Nairobi rivals to face-off in first ever election debate
Nairobi gubernatorial candidates will on Thursday subject each other to scrutiny in a debate to be hosted by the Kenya Alliance of the Residential Association (Kara).
Candidates who have confirmed participation are incumbent Evans Kidero (ODM), Mike Sonko (Jubilee), Miguna Miguna (Independent) Michael Mutinda (Agano Party) and Godfrey Wanyoike (Independent).
Peter Kenneth is yet to confirm his participation in the debate, but representatives of his campaign team hinted he may participate.
The debate will run from 8.30am to 11.30am at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.
The organisers of the debate have outlined stringent rules of engagement to moderate topics to be discussed and conduct of the candidates.
VERBAL TUSSLES
Kara programmes Manager Nancy Kariuki has allayed fears of the aspirants engaging in verbal tussles during the debate.
“So far we have five who have confirmed like Miguna, Kidero, Sonko, Wanyoike and Mutinda. The team led by Mr Kenneth hinted he will come but no word from the candidate himself, while Macharia Kamau (Party of Democratic Unity) has not been contacted as we do not have his contacts,” said Ms Kariuki.
Sh said the candidates will be adequately briefed on the modalities of the debate.
“We are not expecting any chaos as the leaders will be tomorrow morning be briefed on how to conduct the debate in a civilized manner,” said Ms Kariuki.
Ms Kariuki said the purpose of the debate is to put the candidates to task on their vision for Nairobi.
DETAILS OF MANIFESTO
Candidates will be probed on the details of their manifestos including water provision, sanitation, land grabbing and unplanned buildings in the city.
They will be asked to outline their views on housing and urban planning and possible solutions to deteriorating service delivery in residential areas.
Trade, hawkers menace and licenses will also be debated.
Ms Kariuki said that they will be keen on public participation during the debate.