Presidential Debates hangs in the balance

The live broadcast debate involving running mates of eight presidential candidates hangs in the balance after a majority failed to confirm participation.

National Super Alliance (NASA) presidential running mate Kalonzo Muysoka and Jubilee's Deputy President William Ruto said they would not be participating.

Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung'wa yesterday said he had been asked to represent the DP at the debate scheduled for today at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA).

Kimani explained the DP would be away at the Coast campaigning for Jubilee Party.

"I have not communicated to the organisers, nor have they communicated to me," said Ichung'wa.

NASA Chief Executive Norman Magaya said there had been no formal communication from the organisers, saying the alliance learnt about the debate in the media.

Yesterday evening, six running mates, Eliud Kariara, Emmanuel Nzai, Joseph Momanyi, Miriam Mutua, Titus N'getuny and Moses Maranga wrote to Debates Media Limited chairman Wachira Waruru indicating they were yet to receive communication on whether there would be a two-tier approach to the debate.

Mr Waruru said the debate was on schedule. "Preparations are on course. We are hoping they will turn up for the debate, "said Waruru. [Rawlings Otieno]