Boycotts rock Kenya presidential debate

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Wednesday July 27, 2022

Two of Kenya's four presidential candidates made good their threats to skip a televised presidential debate on Tuesday night that was organised by media owners ahead of next month's elections.

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, one of the two frontrunners, and George Wajackoyah had separately expressed reservations on the formality of the debate.

Deputy President William Ruto, the other frontrunner, and David Mwaure Waihiga turned up for the debate, but each stood alone answering questions after the withdrawal of their respective opponents.

The debate was to be two-tiered, meaning Mr Odinga and Mr Ruto were to face each other after Mr Wajackoyah and Mr Waihiga - who have each scored less than 5% in opinion polls - had debated.

Prof Wajackoyah arrived at the debate's venue accompanied by his wife, but left after confirming with organisers that his demand to have all candidates debate in one session was rejected.

In the debate, the deputy president was put to task on the government's disobedience of court orders and the lack of transparency in public infrastructure contracts.

Mr Ruto was also pinned on the source of his vast wealth and "how much was enough", to which he responded that "enough is enough".

Post-debate analysts appreciated Mr Ruto for honouring the invitation and criticised Mr Odinga for boycotting the debate.

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