Residents of Biashara Ward, Nakuru East during a public debate for MCA candidates held on Tuesday 18th July 2017 at Menengai Social Hall Nakuru. [PHOTO/Sauti Yetu Facebook]
Public debates involving political leaders are paramount ahead of polls as they help Kenyans vet their leaders and get to understand their manifesto.
Addressing media on Tuesday after participating in a public debate organized by Inuka Kenya - Sauti Yetu initiative in collaboration with Baharini Community Forum in Nakuru East, various aspirants for the Biashara ward called on all leaders to respect such forums.
Paul Njoroge Nyaguthie who is the Jubilee nominee for Biashara ward termed the debates as a good moment to engage the voters.
He however called on the organizers to ensure such debates are held in condusive venue where every voter can access without travelling longer distances.
“’the debate has been good everyone was given opportunity but I would challenge the organizers that it would be better if they hold the debates closer to citizens” he said.
Similar sentiments were echoed by Fatuma Noor Abdallah who is vying for the seat on an ODM ticket.
While calling for peace before, during and after elections, Fatuma condemned those who have a tendency of destroying other candidates’ posters saying such is awkward way of doing politics.
“The debate was well organized and participatory but then one thing I want to point out as we go on with campaigns is to warn those who are busy destroying other candidates’ posters. They should respect everyone…… the posters are not votes but votes are with Kenyans” she said.
Christopher Achebe who is vying the Biashara ward seat on SAFINA party on his part challenged leaders to ensure whoever is elected serves the interests of citizens.
He said Kenyans are now mature and educated on their rights and come August they will be able to make right choices.
“This time round I see Kenyans are mature politically and are not going to elect suits but rather they will elect leaders who can deliver not greedy ones” he said.
Kanu candidate for the same seat Richard Gachoka speaking to the press called on Biashara ward residents in Nakuru East to elect leaders who can deliver and above all maintain peace.
He attributed insecurity to lack of employment among youths something he said will be addressed if the residents elect leaders who mean their talk.
Sentiments echoed by Daniel Kimotho Karu who is contesting Biashara ward seat on Maendeleo Chap chap party.
“We have had insecurity due to lack of employment and there is need for residents to elect leaders who can tackle that” he said.
Sauti Yetu in conjunction with Community Forums and Resident Associations has been holding such forums and debates in various counties to enable citizens and leaders understand their role as far as governance is concerned.
Felix Kajoo from Inuka Kenya -Sauti Yetu Initiative says the debate should be considered as they help shape the opinion leaders and help citizens vet them.
He also appealed on politicians and Kenyans at large to ensure peaceful polls come August .
“Elections are coming and we need is peace before, during and after elections because we still need a nation” he said.
This comes barely a day after Kenyans were angered by Presidential running mates William Ruto and Kalonzo Musyoka not showing up for the most advertised Presidential debate on Monday.