Tonight, history will be made as Kenya holds its first ever Presidential Debate. This important event will be held at Brookhouse International School’s auditorium and will be broadcast live by all major TV and radio stations in the country. A video feed will also be provided to CNN, BBC, Aljazeera and Reuters. Google through it’s site YouTube, will stream the event live on YouTube.com/electionskenya. All this media are expected to push the number of viewers to over 40 million inside and outside Kenya.
The debate will involve 6 candidates out of the 8 cleared by IEBC to contest for the presidency. Among them are Uhuru Kenyatta of Jubilee, Raila Odinga of CORD, Martha Karua of Narc Kenya, Peter Kenneth of Eagle, Musalia Mudavadi of Amani and James ole Kiyiapi of RBK. Paul Muite and Abduba Diba have not been included for getting into the race late, after major preparations had been concluded. NTV Managing Editor Linus Kaikai and Citizen TV’s Sunday Live host Julie Gichuru will moderate the debate, which is set to last at least 2 hours starting 7:00 PM.
The candidates should however be at the venue by 6:30 PM.
Candidates will walk to the podium one by one, shake hands and then take positions for the national anthem. Each will then be given 30 seconds to introduce him/herself.
Each candidate will then be given 2 minutes to answer a question from the moderator.
Over 5000 questions have been compiled through various media including SMS, Facebook, Twitter, email and hand delivery.
A research department and subject experts have chosen the questions to be asked.
A guest list of 200 has been drawn up representing various sectors in the country. The audience is not supposed to clap, cheer or jeer. They should also be seated well before 6:30 PM. No foods from outside is allowed.
All political material is banned, and this include banners, branded clothing, signs etc.
The cost of organizing and holding this debate is estimated to be in the region of Sh 100 million, believed to have been spent in salaries and allowances, purchase of equipment, publicity, hiring of venue, etc.
Below are photos of the venue during rehearsals.
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| [Photos Credit: Citizen TV] |
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