Ruto Ignores Question Of Attending Presidential Debate

The presidential debate will be held at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) in Karen, Nairobi

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Jul 18, 2022 - 12:45 Updated: Jul 18, 2022 - 14:09
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Ruto Ignores Question Of Attending Presidential Debate
Deputy President William Ruto addresses his supporters at a Kenya Kwanza coalition rally in Nyeri town on February 26, 2022. /DAILY NATION

Deputy President William Ruto has dodged the question of whether or not he will attend the 2022 presidential debate set for Tuesday, July 26.

During an interview with a vernacular radio station on Monday, July 18, the second in command called out media houses in the country for giving his Kenya Kwanza coalition less airtime than their opponents, Azimio la Umoja.

He compelled them to declare their political stance ahead of the elections instead of claiming to offer coverage that is unbiased.

Deputy President William Ruto speaking during a rally in Vihiga County on July 13, 2022. /WSR

"I've already spoken to various media institutions and they requested me to attend the debate. I prompted them to tell me why our opponents get 65 per cent coverage whereas we get a mere 35 per cent.

"Is it hard for the media to be fair? If a media house is inclined toward a particular candidate, it ought to declare so publicly," he noted.

The DP added that he would discuss the matter of the debate with the Kenya Kwanza coalition before issuing the way forward.

"That's where we stand. In the next few days, we will decide on the way forward. In my opinion, the debate is a great platform for Kenyans to know more about those seeking the presidency but at the moment it has been turned into a biased platform.

"However, notwithstanding, since we respect the media and the public, we're looking forward to making a decision and hopefully, it will be to attend the debate," he said.

The presidential debate will be held at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) in Karen, Nairobi. The deputy presidential debate will be held a week earlier on Tuesday, July 19.

Ruto's presidential campaign secretariat had on Friday, July 15 launched a scathing attack on the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) over a recent report that revealed that a majority of journalists feel safer and more comfortable working with Raila than Kenya Kwanza.

MCK, in its latest media monitoring report on Wednesday, July 13, revealed that a survey to gauge the perception of media and journalists towards the presidential candidates showed that 49 per cent feel safer working with Raila while Ruto received 31 per cent backing. Only 17 per cent felt comfortable covering Roots party presidential candidate George Wajackoyah.

"All we want them to do is ensure objectivity. We have been in the media, we are still journalists and we are asking our colleagues, especially the media companies and owners, we are not saying you must cover us. We are saying this is public information, you're doing this for the public good.

"If you have decided to give one side more coverage then please tell the viewers what you are doing than trying to say you are objective and you're not and the data and statistics show you are not. If the MCK wants to talk about new data please show us the report, don't just quote a statement and there's no report," said WSR Presidential Secretariat Director of Communications, Hussein Mohamed.