Presidential debate: George Wajackoyah arrives at CUEA, leaves minutes later

Roots Party Presidential candidate George Wajackoyah has arrived at the Catholic University of East Africa in Karen, Nairobi, the venue of the presidential debate.

The candidate arrived at around 4.20 pm, held consultations with his lawyer and team, and left just around 5.00 pm. 

This is despite earlier saying he would not participate in the debate if he isn’t placed on the same podium as Raila Odinga and William Ruto.

He however says he is at the venue to confirm if all presidential candidates will be debating at the same time.

“If we aren’t four, I’m not attending,” the Roots Party leader said.

Presidential debate: George Wajackoyah arrives at CUEA despite saying he will not participate pic.twitter.com/V9ePNftBvt — The Standard Digital (@StandardKenya) July 26, 2022

But sources told The Standard that after consultations, Wajackoyah was informed that the rules of the debate cannot be changed. 

His competitor David Mwaure has also arrived for the debate, in the company of his running mate Ruth Mucheru Mutua.

Mwaure says he is prepared for a faceoff and hopes he will not be debating alone.

“I am prepared to conceive Kenyans why I am best suited for president. I hope to meet my competitor,” Mwaure said just outside the CUEA auditorium.

Mwaure is scheduled to debate against Wajackoyah in the first tier of the debate, set to begin at 5.30 pm to 7.00 pm.

The second tier is expected to pit Azimio la Umoja Coalition presidential candidate Raila Odinga against United Democratic Alliance’s William Ruto.

Raila has however said he will not be attending today’s debate, saying he can’t share a stage with a candidate whom he accuses of having questionable integrity.

Additional reporting by Winfrey Owino.