Media bosses announce presidential debate date, Ruto camp protests

The Kenya Editors Guild, the convener of the presidential debate, has set aside July 12 and July 26, 2022, ahead of the August 9 general election.

"Given that the nomination for presidential candidates ends on June 10, 2022, we have set the first presidential debate for July 12, 2022, and the second one on July 26, 2022," KEG President Churchill Otieno stated.

So far those who have announced their intention to vie for the presidency include Deputy President William Ruto, businessman Jimi Wanjigi, ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi, former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, Baringo Senator Gideon Moi and former UNCTAD Secretary-General Mukhisa Kituyi.

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, businessman Jimi Wanjigi and Deputy President William Ruto Pulse Live Kenya

Though former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has yet to formally announced his candidacy, many Kenyans expect him to take on DP Ruto.

As negotiations and political formations shape up, it is possible that out of the many presidential aspirants, only a few will be left to square it out at the debate and on the voting day.

Deputy President William Ruto’s camp has already criticised the move to hold the debates on June 10 and July 26, citing lack of consultations.

Dennis Itumbi and DP Ruto Francis Atwoli, Dennis Itumbi and DP Ruto Pulse Live Kenya

“Media should understand presidential candidates do not work on their calendars. This thing of announcing presidential debates without consulting parties or candidates is outright arrogance. Consultations must happen before such announcements. You cannot just announce dates,” blogger Dennis Itumbi protested.

In 2017, President Uhuru Kenyatta refused to attend the presidential debate to face off against Odinga.

“President Uhuru Kenyatta will not participate in the presidential debates,” David Murathe, Vice Chairman of the ruling Jubilee Party, said at the time, citing insufficient consultation and format issues.

IEBC’s preparation for the 2022 General Election.

The IEBC also gave a status update of the level of preparedness for the 2020 polls, with Chairman Wafula Chebukati revealing that the General Election will cost Sh40 billion.

“For purposes of the 2022 General Election, the commission prepared a budget and requires Sh 40.329 billion to carry out all the activities in the Election Operation Plan.

"A further estimated Sh588 million is required for purposes of procuring items to be used in the COVID-19 prevention protocols including thermometer guns, sanitizers, soap and washing points. This brings the total General Election requirement to 40.917 billion,” he said.