The eight presidential candidates eyeing the country’s top seat. [Photo/@citizentvkenye.co.ke]
Kenyans have expressed mixed reaction after reports indicated president Uhuru Kenyatta will not be attending the highly anticipated presidential debate that is slated for July 10, 2017.
The debate which will be televised on National TV stations is expected to see presidential candidates discuss their manifestos and plans for the country.
Jubilee party Secretary General Raphael Tuju on Wednesday confirmed Uhuru will be absent saying no one has contacted the party concerning the debates.
Jubilee Vice Chairman David Murathe echoed Tuju’s remarks adding there was lack of consultations from the organisers of the event.
“We are not even aware of the rules of engagement. So let them do it without him,” Murathe said.
Murathe noted the president can answer any questions addressed to him from Kenyans on live TV without being distracted.
“He has many channels through which he can engage Kenyans on various issues [without being] drawn into a shouting match as we witnessed in the Nairobi debate. This is beneath him,” he added.
Kenyans took on social media to react on the presidents’ move with majority terming the decision as cowardice move.
Below are some reactions from KoT:
“MOSES M. MWANGI. @MosesMahianyu: How do you expect President Kenyatta to attend a debate when everything is literally falling apart, strikes, no Unga! #PresidentialDebateKE
David M. @Davungatia: "President Kenyatta"It just dawned on the uthamaki kingpin that Kenya is bigger than 4 years of lies,propaganda & corruption.Payback time.
Mt. Kenya Mafia @allen_arnold: I support President Kenyatta's decision. How do you set a date for a PRESIDENT without consulting him. You think he's an idler like Raila?
Max @MaxNilmar26: what kind of leaders avoid speaking to the world about their agenda on a stage .thats cowardice President Kenyatta
Victor Atela ™ @VictorAtela: Snubbing the presidential debate is evidence enough that President Kenyatta has no agenda for this country.
Nelson Mandela Mayi @NelsonMayi: President Kenyatta's decision to opts out of July 10 debate is an act of cowardice. We can't elect a guy who can't answer our questions
moodykimwele @moodsthatbug: "President Kenyatta" The embarrassment to be held accountable for 4 years of #Rubbish Leadership has finally dawned
Arnold Adero 🇰🇪 @arnoldadero: "President Kenyatta" appearing 4 the debate is like a student going to a CHEMISTRY EXAM yet he spent the whole night Studying KIFO KISIMANI
Amakanji Thomas @AmakanjiThomas: It has just downed on President Kenyatta that he has to account for the 4yrs he has done!UNGA crisis,strikes,Assassinations n firms closing!”