Is this proof that presidential candidates ran away from accountability?

Kenyans might have lost the chance to interrogate their leaders after presidential running mates, except one, decided to snub the much awaited debate.

Eliud Muthiora Kariara, running mate to independent presidential candidate Japheth Kavinga was the only person who showed up, forcing the panel to direct all questions to him, which, to be fair, he tackled well.

Though Kenyans might still be talking about Kariara’s confidence and ambitions, they might have lost the only chance this year to ask these leaders for answers to burning issues in the country.

Many people have seen the snub as the politicians’ way of taking advantage of the dependence relationship they have with the media.

It is not known if their decision to snub the debates will have an impact on the outcome of the elections, but media appear to be the biggest losers in this whole fiasco.

Accountability for a leader is very important, especially in 2017 where Kenya has seen unimaginable levels of corruption. We needed our leaders to be put on the spot over what they have done, what they have planned and how they are strategising to do it.

All over social media, Kenyans went up in arms saying that the presidential candidates and their running mates found a loophole to run away from accountability – leaving the country wondering if they really mean what they say in their manifestos or is it just a campaign gimmick.