UPCOMING: Martha, Rigathi face-off in 2022 Deputy Presidential Debate

The front runners - Martha Karua of Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition and Rigathi Gachagua of the Kenya Kwanza coalition will be taking podium to debate against each other.

The face-off, happening at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) from 6pm to 9:30pm, will be an intriguing and captivating contest between two tough and strong-willed politicians, both armed with sharp-tongues acknowledged for their articulation.

The duo will be contending to present comprehensive visions on how they will lead the nation that they believe will spur the electorates to vote for them come the August General Election.

Among many other factors of significance, they both show prominence in being deputies to the two top rivals eyeing the presidential seat; William Ruto and Raila Odinga.

The two share the same regional background (Mt.kenya), from where they equally show a strong appeal to their supporters and they both boast solid track-records in the political front.

The televised event will also see Roots Party’s deputy presidential candidate Justina Wamae and Agano Party’s Ruth Mutua take the podium. 

The debate will be conducted in two tiers; first one for those with less than 5% approval ratings which will run from 6:00pm to 7:30pm  

The second tier will pit candidates whose popularity score is 5% and above slated for 8:00pm to 9:30pm.

Francis Gachuri of Citizen TV and Zubeida Kananu of KTN will moderate the first tier while Sophia Wanuna of KTN and James Smart of NTV will moderate the second tier.

Trevor Ombija of Citizen TV will steward panel discussions for both sessions.

The debates have been faced by undertones of boycotting and dodges as the Kenya Kwanza team had earlier remained non-committal on showing up, arguing that they had raised issues to do with alleged bias of coverage and gave an ultimatum that if they will be a no-show if that doesn't change.

However, Gachagua made his attendance certain after he arrived at CUEA on Monday evening for a briefing on the ground rules to be observed during the debate.