President Uhuru Kenyatta and his opponent, NASA presidential candidate Raila Odinga. [Photo: Courtesy]Two top presidential seat competitors, opted out of the highly anticipated presidential debate scheduled for July 10 and 20, 2017.National Super Alliance (Nasa) presidential candidate Raila Odinga announced he will not be participating in the national debate, few hours after Jubilee Party leader President Uhuru Kenyatta opted out.The duo through their representatives, gave various reasons, as to why they would not be part of the debate, Wednesday.Uhuru through Jubilee Party secretary general Raphael Tuju, and vice chairman David Murathe, said he was not consulted, and that organisers of the event, Debate Media Ltd, did not update State House about the same.On his part, Raila, through his senior advisor Salim Lone said he would not participate in the 2017 presidential debate under the current proposed format and stipulation.More details were not released about why the former prime minister opted out.However, the Nasa presidential campaign secretariat urged Kenyatta to be open to debating Odinga on the issues affecting Kenyans in the present circumstances.The two leaders went head-on during the 2013 presidential debate, ahead of the March 4 general election, which saw Uhuru declared winner of the presidential election.The 2017 debate was to incorporate 8 presidential candidates; Independent candidates, Michael Wainaina, Joseph Nyagah and Japheth Kavinga, Cyrus Jirongo (United Democratic Party), Abduba Dida (Alliance for Real Change), Ekuru Aukot (Thirdway Alliance), Raila, and Uhuru.Critics however say the duo chickened out due to unknown reasons, and that it would have been better, if they change their minds and participate, since they are the main contenders in the election.

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