Why would a bunch of nobodies hoping to be the next Deputy President decline the chance to appear on all national TVs for 90 minutes free of charge?
That was the question many Kenyans were asking yesterday when Eliud Muthiora Kariara took the stage as the only running mate to turn up for the deputy president’s debate. Some of the other presidential candidates refused to have their running mates attend the debate, while a few others turned up midway and were not allowed to take the podium.
Apart from one or two, the 6 presidential candidates, collectively known as the ‘donkeys’, are completely unknown. Their running mates do not fare any better, but after yesterday, the only name Kenyans will remember is Eliud Muthiora Kariara.
He had what can be calculated to over Sh10 million of uninterrupted airtime free of charge, and he did not blow it. For a person who had probably never appeared on TV on prime time before, he handled himself very well and seemed comfortable enough. In case you missed it, here’s the ‘debate’
Kenyans were thoroughly impressed. Here are some comments from Twitter.
I'm so impressed by Eluid Muthiora Kariara! #debatesKE
— Wanjiru Muriuki🇰🇪 (@CiruMuriuki) July 17, 2017
Congratulations Muthiora Kariara for stepping forward to participate in the THE RUNNING MATES DEBATE
— Dr Boni Khalwale, CBS (@KBonimtetezi) July 17, 2017
Eliud Muthiora Kariara is a lucky man. He has 90minutes alone live on all major TV stations to convince Kenyans. #DebatesKE @KTNNews
— Kyama⚽ (@ElijahKyama_) July 17, 2017
“When you're the only sane person, you look like the only insane person.”
But you Muthiora Kariara is looking sane! #Future #debatesKE
— Dr. Ouma Oluga, OGW (@fnoluga) July 17, 2017
Am extremely impressed by the performance of this young man Muthiora Kariara. He is brave n coherent@deputyrunningmate debate.
— Edward Waswa Kisiang'ani (@ekisiangani) July 17, 2017
Muthiora Kariara is the definition of balls of steel. #debatesKE
— Lumwamu (@Lumwamu) July 17, 2017
https://twitter.com/ElviSymo/status/886971162030460933
Eliud Muthiora Kariara. Courageous, composed and intelligent man. History will never forget about you. Kudos#DebatesKE
— General Osumo (@ItsOsumoJnr) July 17, 2017
Muthiora Kariara is acing this! Most people would have left if they found that they were the sole participant. #DebatesKe
— Wanjiru Muriuki🇰🇪 (@CiruMuriuki) July 17, 2017
It seems the other candidates are not serious fellows to run the country. Go Eliud Muthiora Kariara..Go. Proud of you. #DebatesKe
— M ! G € L L E (@ochiengmike) July 17, 2017
As for Muthiora Kariara the sky is the limit. I wish you well in your future endeavors. Your political star just started to shine #debatesKE
— Lord Abraham Mutai (@ItsMutai) July 17, 2017
#DebatesKe God has a plan for everyone,Kuna reason why the others did not show up. Yutman Eliud Muthiora Kariara
— Mojezz (@mojezzkabro) July 17, 2017
https://twitter.com/makodingo/status/886975203858939905
History in the making. A young 'no-body' is addressing the entire nation for 90minutes on all major National Television networks. #DebatesKE
— Lord Abraham Mutai (@ItsMutai) July 17, 2017
Muthiora Kiriara moments ago you were a ghost now you're the man of the moment. Let him go on & eat the jokers time at 8 #debatesKE
— Kenya West (@KinyanBoy) July 17, 2017
Muthiora is bold, articulate, representing the new energy we need in the political sphere. #debatesKE a step stone to his political career
— Kenya West (@KinyanBoy) July 17, 2017
#DebatesKe. Attending debates is a an indication of discipline. Muthiora's life opportunities just beginning
— JUDITH WANGA (@JudithWanga) July 17, 2017
#DebatesKe that only one deputy presidential candidate has shown up tells you how important THE VOTER
is in this election— John-Allan Namu (@johnallannamu) July 17, 2017
Congrats to Eliud Kariara for showing up to the debate and on time. These are the kind of leaders we want. Young and proffesional #DebatesKE
— Maina Wambui (@patmaichbmf) July 17, 2017
Failure to attend the #DebatesKE is equivalent to snubbing a job interview. It is time we held leaders to account.
— Fan No. 1 of Yvonne Chaka Chaka Mhinga (@TheEddie24ful) July 17, 2017
https://twitter.com/killwhatyoueat/status/886987932481007616
I guess it's time arrogance and hubris give way.
Congrats,Karauri#debatesKE— Eric Erikkson. (@kongoi8) July 17, 2017
Congrats Eliud Muthiora Kariara. The confidence in you is enough for me to support you.
— Plan Evans Kipruto🇰🇪 (@KipIvans) July 17, 2017
