Presidential Debate:Junet outlines conditions for Raila’s attendance; Threatens to send Babu Owino instead

Much awaited Presidential Debate which summarises the debates series not only gives candidates the chance to answer questions, but a platform to sell their agenda should they win election

However, a day after Kenya Kwanza presidential candidate William Ruto issued conditions to the organisers for his attendance, Azimio La Umoja-One Kenya coalition presidential Aspirant Raila Odinga’s team seems to be following suit.

Suna East Member of Parliament (MP) Junet Mohamed has listed conditions on Raila’s attendance for the much-anticipated presidential debate.

Speaking during a campaign rally in Kitale, the outspoken lawmaker, the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition Secretary-General noted that the coalition’s flag bearer Raila will only attend the debate if the moderators agree to focus on candid issues such as Integrity, corruption, and governance.

Junet stated that if the debate secretariat do not meet their demand, they will send Embakasi East MP Babu Owino to debate Deputy President William Ruto.

“There are people saying we conduct a debate between Raila and Ruto. Is that possible?” Junet posed.

“Raila will only be on the debate if the panel will address Integrity, corruption, and governance. If the discussion is based on other issues, then we will send Babu Owino to debate William Ruto,”

Junet further reiterated that if the debate will be similar to the deputy presidential debate between Kenya Kwanza’s Rigathi Gachagua and Azimio’s Martha Karua, then he, as the Secretary-General, will send Babu to represent Raila.

The 2022 Presidential debate will be held on July 26 at the Catholic University for Eastern Africa (CUEA), main campus in Karen, Nairobi.

The debate is organised by the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), Media Owners Association (MOA), the Kenya Editors Guild (KEG), and other stakeholders, including the church.