Kenya needs new leadership, say candidates during presidential debate

Presidential debate 2017 at Catholic University on Monday  24/07/2017.[Boniface OKENDO,Standard]

As the presidential debate takes place Monday evening, Kenyans have been since morning sharing their views on different questions that need to be addressed by their leaders during the live event.

Organizers of the debate had split the debate into two sessions, the first one that began from 5pm was expected to have six presidential candidates including; Cyrus Jirongo of the United Democratic Party (UDP), Ekuru Aukot of Thirdway Alliance, Abduba Dida of the Alliance for Real Change (ARC), and Independent candidates Joseph Nyagah, Michael Wainaina and Japheth Kavinga.

Out of the six, only Ekuru Aukot, Japheth Kavinga and Michael Wainaina were present for the debate.

The two main contenders who managed more than 5% in all opinion polls, President Uhuru Kenyatta of Jubilee Party and NASA’s Raila Odinga were to have a separate debate as from 8pm.

Some Kenyans who spoke to The Standard earlier during the day said they expect all the presidential candidates to be present in order to address issues of corruption, tribalism, joblessness, high cost of living, food security among other key issues affecting Kenyans.

They exuded confidence that the event will enable some of them to make final decision on who to vote for in the August 8th elections. Most Kenyans who were interviewed Monday morning said they expect all presidential aspirants to appear for the debate to clarify major issues to Kenyans as highlighted in their manifestos.

Some Kenyans posted their views and comments on social media concerning their expectations on the presidential debate. For example Kenyans on twitter using the hash tag #debatesKE discussed the importance of the event, some arguing that youth unemployment should be given first priority.

Speaking during the debate, Aukot said Kenya needs a no-nonsense leader because initially, the country has had a leadership that tolerated vices like tribalism. 

“Kenya has been associated with theft of public resources. We need leaders who won't tolerate the prevalent indiscipline,” he said.

Professor Wainaina emphasized on the need for Kenya to have new leadership and the importance of investing in the next generation of Kenyans to lead this country.  He said inclusion is one of the key pillars of leadership that ensures youth and women are given priority.

Dr. Japhet Kavinga Kaluyu said if elected on August 8, he won’t tolerate people stealing public funds and would ensure corrupt leaders face full force of the law.

“When the pains exceeds the pleasure people follow the right leader. I will be the end of corruption,” said Dr. Kavinga as he tried to explain why he is the only real independent candidate.

Wainaina said the only way to end tribalism is to get rid of tribal leaders in NASA and Jubilee. “You cannot get rid of tribalism if you have tribalists at the top of the hierarchy,” he said.

Dr. Ekuru Aukot said it is very unfortunate that Kenya has had leadership that has coordinated tribalism and normalized theft of public money, adding that each year Sh700 billion is stolen by the leadership in Kenya.

Dr. Kavinga said the problem is the will to fight corruption, adding that corruption will be a thing of the past if Kenyans vote for him. He also recommended that investigation reports on corruption should be taken more seriously. “The corrupt will be tried in public and will be barred from running for any public office,” he said.

Wainaina said it is quite sad that even corrupt individuals have been allowed to run for office, when it is obvious that current leaders have been calling each other thieves.