Running mates debate: What we know and don’t know
The running mates debate is underway at the Catholic University of East Africa. This is what we know and don’t know so far.
What we know
The debate is on
The debate is underway moderated by KTN’s Sophia Wanuna and Citizen TV’s Fred Indimuli. Larry Madowo hosted the main pre-debate panel. There were other TV journalists doing various links from several locations at the venue, the Catholic University of East Africa.
Only one running mate has arrived
Eliud Muthiora Kariara wa Kavinga the running mate of Japheth Kaluyu.
Deputy President is in Mariakani Secondary school grounds, Kilifi.
Nation reporters have sent pictures of the DP addressing residents of Kilifi with president Uhuru Kenyatta as late as 1755hrs. There is still time for the DP to make it for the main debate at 8pm since it takes just under one hour to fly from Kilifi to Nairobi.
The duo have two military choppers at their disposal which night travel capability. With state machinery at his disposal, he could have roads cleared and still make it.
Nasa’s Kalonzo Musyoka will only show up if DP Ruto does
Nasa presidential candidate Raila Odinga’s spokesman Salim lone sent a statement earlier saying, “NASA is still ready to take part in the proposed Debates as soon as Jubilee engages in agreeing on the ‘ground rules’ that President Kenyatta used as the excuse to duck the Debates, which Kenyans have come to expect as an essential platform for leaders to communicate their visions directly to them.”
Jubilee thinks Nasa is copying them
David Mugonyi, the Secretary Communication in the Presidency sent a statement saying: “Jubilee declined to take part in the debates for well-considered, reasons and made public numerous issues of a fundamental character. We understand that imitation is the best form of flattery yet Jubilee is not flattered by NASA’s copycat strategy.”
What we don’t
If the DP will show up
He is still in Kilifi.
If Kalonzo will show up
We are not sure of his location.
If the rest will show up
There are eight running mates. Only one has shown up.
If the 8pm debate will go on
The organisers has spoken of a two-tier debate with the one for fringe candidates starting at 5:30pm and ending at 7pm. The debate between frontrunners Ruto and Kalonzo was set for 8pm.
