National Super Alliance flag bearer Raila Odinga. [Photo/ODM Reloaded]
The National Super Alliance presidential candidate Raila Odinga will now participate in the much awaited presidential debate.
Raila had earlier pulled out of the debate hours after president Uhuru Kenyatta withdrew saying he was against the suggested format which will see the debates divided into two sessions; the first part to have presidential candidates having more than 5 per cent popularity rate according to opinion surveys while the second session to have presidential hopefuls with less than 5 per cent popularity rate.
Raila’s new move came hours after Mombasa High Court on Friday dismissed one of the presidential candidates, Abduba Dida’s, bid to stop the polls debates citing discrimination.
According to the Opposition’s advisor Salim Lone, the former Prime Minister welcomed the courts’ decision.
“NASA presidential candidate Raila Odinga welcomes the ruling this morning by the High Court allowing Debate Media Limited and the Presidential Debate Secretariat to proceed with the proposed debate plan. This allows all presidential candidates the opportunity to present their idea to Kenyans and the worlds,” said Lone in a statement, Friday.
Lone added that Uhuru should also change his mind and participate in the debate.
“At the same time, the two main contenders for the presidency will be accorded more time to speak to the country on their records and vision. Mr Odinga is looking forward for this one-on-one debate with relish and he urges the President to accept this opportunity to debate him on multiple national crises facing Kenya,” added Lone.