DP Ruto Confirms Presidential Debate Attendance

In order to square off against his primary rival Raila Odinga, Deputy President William Ruto has confirmed his appearance at the presidential debate scheduled for next Tuesday at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa.

At a press conference on Thursday, his presidential secretariat said that Ruto will avail himself to highlight important concerns impacting Kenyans.

“I confirm that Ruto will attend the debate and in the 1hr and 30 mins we should be given details on the slated time for debating issues facing Kenyans,” Director of Communication at the Secretariat, Hussein Mohamed said.

Ruto also gave the organizers instructions, requesting that they disclose the time set out for the contenders to speak about their intentions for Kenyans.

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He criticized the way the deputy presidential debate was carried out, claiming that despite millions of people watching, none of the pressing questions that affected them were addressed.

By talking about people’s personalities and political connections, Hussein claimed the interviewers trivialized the discussion.

“While we do not object to the questions being asked in the debates, we object to trivialising such engagements to the detriment of Kenyans,” he said.

As for being locked out of Nyayo Stadium for their last rally, Governor Josphat Nanok who doubles as the director of Ruto’s presidential campaign, they will file a lawsuit to contest the decision to bar them from using the venue.

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Nanok urged their rivals to find another location, pointing out that they were the first to reserve Nyayo Stadium on July 9.

Before they made their reservation, he said, no other political party or organization had shown any intention of using it.

“We are prepared to challenge the Ministry of Sports, legally on August 3, because we have a signed contract. The contract hasn’t been cancelled,” Nanok said.

On July 12, according to the secretariat, a contract was signed with the organisation in charge of issuing Nyayo permits.

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Nanok asserted that Azimio la Umoja’s assertions that they had also reserved the stadium were false and that they would contest the cancellations.

“We have heard that our key opponent also booked the stadium, we have realized that they have been bending the hands of the Ministry of Sports focusing them to be given that stadium and to cancel our contract,” added the county boss.

Sports Kenya in a letter to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party secretary general said the stadium will be unavailable on August 6.

“We regret to inform you that due to peace concert scheduled to take place at both Moi International Sports Center- Kasarani and Nyayo National Stadium between August 5 to 7 2022. The facility will not be available for their use,” the letter said.

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The letter was copied to the Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage, the Principal Secretary State Department for Sports and Development and to the Chairman Sports Kenya Board Charles Waithaka.

Sports Kenya expressed regret for the inconveniences brought about.

A standoff is looming following reports that the Azimio la Umoja coalition and the Kenya Kwanza Alliance had booked their last rallies at the same location.

Both camps were expected to hold their final rallies on August 6 at the same venue.

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According to a statement released on Tuesday by Azimio secretary general Junet Mohamed, the coalition will hold its last rally at the said stadium.

“As the country approaches the general election in 20 days, the Azimio team wishes to thank all Kenyans of goodwill who have turned up in their millions all over the country at meetings, rallies and in person to join in this historic journey to a fair, just, prosperous and inclusive nation,” said Junet.