Deputy President William Ruto has asked his key competitor Raila Odinga to reconsider his decision on skipping Tuesday’s presidential debate.
Ruto who was speaking on Monday, July 25 while on the campaign trail in Nandi hills urged Raila to show up for the debate.
“I want to encourage my competitor, Mr. Kitendawili, please I want to urge you to reconsider I will be waiting for you at the debate.”
“I am asking him to come if not for any other reason it is so that he can tell Kenyans what is Tibim and Tialala. These Kenyans want to know what is the essence of these folktales you usually tell at your rallies. Even if you do not have a policy, just come and tell Kenyans that,” the United Democratic Alliance presidential candidate stated.
Ruto’s plea to Raila comes a day after Azimio La Umoja – One Kenya Presidential Campaign Secretariat issued a statement stating that their candidate will not attend Tuesday’s Presidential Debate but will instead take part in a televised town hall meeting at Jericho Social Hall after Ruto’s demands on topics.
Odinga’s Campaign Secretariat Spokesman Makau Mutua said his candidate cannot debate William Ruto who ‘has no regard for ethics and public morals.’
But in a rejoinder, Ruto claimed that Odinga opted out of the much-publicized presidential debate because he has no agenda for the country.
“He has feared going for the debate because they cannot articulate any agenda because they have none. That man who is full of rhetoric lacks clarity on what he wants for Kenyans. There is only one plan in Kenya and that is the one that Kenya Kwanza has,” he said during a rally in Kisii on Sunday.
Ruto has since confirmed that he will attend the debate and tell Kenyans the plan Kenya Kwanza has for the country.