Kenya deputy presidential rivals face off in TV debate
The two-tier debate involved four candidates, but all eyes were on Rigathi Gachagua and Martha Karua from the main political coalitions
Kenya’s deputy presidential candidates faced off in a TV debate on Tuesday night that was dominated by corruption and so-called state capture.
The two-tier debate involved four candidates, but all eyes were on Rigathi Gachagua and Martha Karua from the main political coalitions.
The candidates were asked a series of questions about the economy, governance and integrity of public office holders.
They didn’t talk over each other or interrupt and waited patiently for their allocated time. There were even handshakes at the end – a cordial atmosphere rarely seen in Kenyan politics.
Mr Gachagua, the running mate of Deputy President William Ruto under the Kenya Kwanza (Swahili for Kenya First) coalition, was at pains to defend himself against an ongoing corruption case.
But he repeatedly accused his opponent’s Azimio la Umoja (Swahili for quest for unity) coalition of being beneficiaries of state patronage – highlighting the fallout between President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy Mr Ruto.
Ms Karua, a former justice minister, underlined her fight against corruption in the past.
Analysts say both debates failed to adequately address real issues facing Kenyans.
“We stuck to issues around corruption, state capture, definition of cartels and the role of the deputy president in the country. We should have spent time talking about the economy,” said Wanjiru Gikonyo, a governance expert.
Tuesday’s debate set the tone and pace for the much awaited presidential debate on 26 July.
