Days after a heated gubernatorial debate that saw four candidates take the podium, the Statehouse has now dismissed calls for presidential debates.
Jubilee Secretary-General Mr. Raphael Tuju said no one had formally contacted the Statehouse regarding the issue; he also expressed his dissatisfaction concerning the nature of the debate since they had no idea what the ground rules are.
The debate is expected to give Kenyans a chance to judge their prospective leaders on their policies rather than on who they are – a rarity in a country where politics has traditionally been intertwined with tribal identity and where politicians often campaign on an “us versus them” platform.
Suppose the debate is widely perceived as a positive political milestone. In that case, the response from Jubilee’s secretary-general seems worlds away from rising concern that Kenya may be heading for a repeat, or worse, of the politically motivated tribal inclination.
Amid all the campaigns staged countrywide the two dominant coalitions, the President should use this forum to clear the polluted air with allegations threatening to bring him down come August 8. Though the polls still give a slight lead to Mr. Uhuru, it will wise if the President attends the debate, which could give him a chance to clear allegations through televised debate
Some observers deem Mr. Tuju’s sentiments unnecessary since many of his supporters await their leader. The debate is expected to focus on several issues; Infrastructure, Legal and Regulatory Issues, Housing, Trade Development, Security, Environment, corruption, and Physical Planning.
