Presidential debates are over but this is what they left out

We copied the American constitution as much as we could.

Just read our 2010 Constitution and the US one. Nigerians had to some extent copied the US constitution before us. Context matters so much in constitution-making.

The latest streak of Americanisation is presidential debates. We have watched them despite some contenders skipping. It's still an open question if that was a smart move.

We have an almost two-party system but only in word. Our two leading contenders are fronted by a coterie of parties called coalitions. This seems a truly Kenya innovation.

In Americanising our socio-political system, we have avoided the Protestant work ethic. We avoid work by any means even when Americans take pride in working.

Corruption is the best manifestation of our disdain for work ethic.

In Americanisation, let us add the love of pets and clothes themed on the American flag. Check even the slogans on matatus.

Let us get back to the debate. A few things about the debate left my head spinning. First the good things; media houses cooperated in running the debate. I wonder why they did not put adverts and share the revenues with such a huge audience.

Why not a few breaks? 90 minutes is a long time and breaks with adverts would have made it more exciting, like halftimes in football.

I would suggest two breaks each of five minutes. What's wrong with media making money when economics was the hottest topic?

The debates were too dry. No running mate or presidential candidate made a memorable joke? Is humour disallowed in such debates? Do you watch the US presidential debates and their moments of humour?

Humanising the debate

A good example; "I will not make age an issue of this campaign. I am not going to exploit, for political purposes, my opponent's youth and inexperience," Ronald Reagan told his opponent during the 1984 presidential debates when he was asked if he was too old to be President at 73.

Candidates should have humanised the debate like Martha Karua who invited her grandchildren to the podium. Why not wives and husbands? My biggest concern is why global and emotional issues were skipped. The debates focused too much on local issues, the moderators made the economy and character the bogeymen of the debate.

CS Prof George Magoha commissions CBC classrooms in Migori County. [Caleb Kingwara, Standard]

Why not a question on dynasties and monopoly of power by a few Kenyans? What of constitutional change after getting elected?

Why not ask them how they will reverse the state of helplessness and pessimism among the citizens?

Finally, moderators should have demanded from the debaters to explain what's the third liberation. How successful were the other liberalisations? Who took the credit?

What does the third liberation entail? How does it differ from other liberalisations? What will be its key performance indicators?

And a few questions on our behaviour. Why do we mistrust everyone? Why can't we get a better substitute for tribalism? The moderators, to appear academic gave the debaters a continuous assessment test (C.A.T) not a final exam. Any other questions they left out? Please share with us.