Why it is important to host these debates

The presidential running mates’ televised debate is scheduled for today. Uncertainty still surrounds who will actually be in attendance. Despite there being eight candidates to deputise the eight presidential candidates, incumbent Deputy President William Ruto appeared to cast doubt on his attendance through his twitter handle that indicated he was not aware of the debate.

Earlier, President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga indicated they would not attend the presidential debate that was scheduled for July 10 but later moved to July 24 following the uncertainty occasioned by a court case filed by Abduba Dida, one of the presidential aspirants, challenging it. While this easily takes the edge off the debate, expectation is high that their deputies will not follow suit.