President Uhuru Kenyatta (R) and the National Super Alliance (Nasa) flag bearer Raila Odinga at a past function. [Photo/Courtesy]
President Uhuru Kenyatta and the National Super Alliance (Nasa) flag bearer Raila Odinga are the most likely presidential candidates to participate in the presidential debate before the August 8 polls.
This follows a guideline released, Thursday, by the debate organisers, Debates Media Ltd, showing the qualified participants must have a popularity support of at least 5 per cent in opinion polls.
With the recent polls released by Ipsos and Radio Africa Group’s Research Company, only Uhuru and Raila command the support.
Ipsos latest survey released May 30 showed Uhuru leads with 49 per cent followed by Raila with 42 per cent whereas Radio Africa Group’s research company poll released May 18, put Uhuru at 49 per cent followed by Raila at 40 per cent.
According to the two polls, the remaining candidates were below 5 per cent support.
“Candidates with less than 5 per cent popular support showing in opinion polls will take part in separate single debates to be conducted on the same date,” read part of a statement from the organisers.
IEBC cleared 8 presidential candidates including Kenyatta and Odinga to vie for the country’s top seat.