Kenya Kwanza presidential running mate Rigathi Gachagua has set the stage for an epic clash with Azimio’s Martha Karua in the battle for votes.
Gachagua will face Karua in the first ever Deputy Presidential Debate on 19 July 2022.
This is after Kenya Kwanza apparently warmed up to the event despite dismissing it on several occasions citing alleged bias in the media.
Presidential Debate Secretariat head, Clifford Machoka confirmed that Gachagua would avail himself for the face-off after the Mathira MP made an unexpected appearance at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa for a pre-debate briefing on the ground rules of the event.
Gachagua and Karua will take to the stage on the second phase of the debate that will feature deputies of candidates whose popularity stood above five per cent in the latest popularity polls.
It remains unclear what informed the Mathira MP’s change of heart.
On July 15, the Director of Communications in Ruto’s presidential campaign Hussein Mohamed left it to the duo to decide whether they will participate or not, stating that he has done his part.
“On the matter of the Presidential Debate, I think we made a statement on that earlier. Whether or not the candidate or his running mate will appear is a matter that now firmly rests with them,” he stated.
Agano party’s running mate Ruth Mutua will set the stage, taking on George Wajackoyah’s running mate Justina Wamae with TV47’s Linda Alela and KBC presenter John Jacob Mworia moderating.
Afterwards, KTN’s Sophia Wanuna (KTN) and James Smart (NTV) will moderate the debate between Gachagua and Karua.
Kenyans who wish to participate in the Deputy Presidential Debate can send a 30-second-clip of their questions via Whatsapp number 0796 560560 or sms it to 22843.
