Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga with President Uhuru Kenyatta. [Photo/The Star]New reports have indicated that the long awaited televised presidential debate would not turn out to be a preserve of NASA flag bearer Raila Odinga and President Uhuru Kenyatta only.This is due to the tough standards set by the conveyors of the debate who have stated that for one to qualify they must command at least five percent popularity as per opinion polls conducted by research companies.So far latest polls by Ipsos Synovate puts Uhuru at 47 percent and Raila at 42, a poll by Radio Africa Group also established 49 percent for Uhuru compared to Raila's 40 percent. while the latest poll by African Electoral Group stated that Raila gained 39 percent compared to Uhuru's 51.According to the three polls, none of the other candidates managed five per cent support.
"Candidates will less that five per cent popular support in opinion polls will take part in separate single pool debates to be conducted onthe same dates," the organisers said in a statement.
The debate is organised by Debates Media, a consortium of several Kenyan media houses.