Eight presidential candidateas are expected to take the center stage on Monday July 24, as they battle out the political vote in a public debate.
The eight; Prof. Michael Wainaina, DR. Kaluyu, Abduba Dida, Ekuru Aukot, Cyrus Jirongo, Joseph Nyaga, Raila Odinga and President Kenyatta, are all expected to attend the long awaited debate.
The debates will involve a rigorous 90 minutes of direct engagement between the candidates, the moderators and a live studio audience.
The candidates will also be subjected to a ballot process every five minutes before the debate to determine which candidate speaks first.
Who speaks first?
Each candidate will pick a number from a glass vase containing an equal number of chits of paper as the number of participating candidates. Each candidate shall speak in the position picked from the glass vase.
Time
Each candidate shall be given 90 seconds to make an opening statement, 90 seconds for a closing statement and two minutes to respond to questions and shall be accorded the right to rebuttal.
Warning Lights
Time limits on the responses will be strictly observed. Visible timing mechanisms provided.
The clock starts with a green light as the candidate starts to speak, turns amber halfway through the candidate’s allotted time, and red with 10 seconds to go. Finally, it will display ‘Time up’. The moderator will intervene when the candidate’s time is up.
Moderators
The moderators shall afford each candidate an equal and fair chance to articulate his policies and will not interrupt the candidate unless it is necessary to do so. The single moderator of the running mates debate will tackle both the thematic areas and the questions from the live audience. This role will be shared between the two moderators of the presidential debate.
Language
The programme will be bilingual with candidates permitted to communicate in either English or Kiswahili; the question shall however be answered in the language in which it was asked. The Candidates shall remain civil and respectful and will not be permitted to insult other candidates
They shall address each other with mutual respect. Candidates will not be permitted to use derogatory language in reference to their opponents or their contribution. They will not be permitted to use gestures commonly understood in Kenya to convey an insult. For the orderly conduct of the debate, candidates will not be allowed to interrupt each other.
Studio audience
Media Debates Limited shall ensure that the studio audience is pre-selected and does not confer any undue advantage to any of the candidates.
Production
All producers and directors shall be non-partisan and shall not be permitted to take shots aimed at ridiculing any candidate; back shots of the candidates will not be permitted. The producers and directors will not take reaction shots of supporters or family members when a candidate is on the floor. The debate hall will be professionally lit, properly air conditioned and conducive for lengthy debate.
Audience conduct
No clapping, cheering or jeering will be permitted during the debate. Audience can however acknowledge candidates as they walk in with a clap. Political materials, including banners, signs, literature, party branded clothing are not permitted in the debate hall. Flash photography is not allowed in the debate hall.
Venue
The Presidential Debate shall take place at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa. The Venue shall be secured both by the National Police Service and a reputable security firm.
Dress Code
Candidates are requested to wear formal business attire. Candidates shall be permitted to bring their own make-up artiste although a reputable mark-up artiste shall be at the disposal of the candidates at MDL’s cost. Party colours, checked attire, luminous gear, traditional or ceremonial clothing will not permitted. Black, deep grey, navy/dark blue wear recommended.
Rehearsals for both the running mates and the presidential candidates will be on Sunday 16th July and Sunday 23rd July respectively.
The debates will be moderated by Yvonne Okwara, Joe Ageyo and Linus Kaikai.
Selection of the moderators for all the debates was done following strict guidelines on media house representation, talent pool and gender balance.
