UDA presidential running mate Rigathi Gachagua will face Azimio’s Martha Karua in the first ever Deputy Presidential Debate.

Speaking to the media on Monday, July 18, the head Presidential Debate Secretariat Clifford Machoka confirmed that Gachagua would avail himself for the face off.

The Mathira MP made an unexpected appearance at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa for a pre-debate briefing on the ground rules of the event.

He and Karua will battle out on ideas in the second phase of the debate pitting deputies of candidates whose popularity stood above five per cent in the latest popularity polls.

Gachagua had been missing in the UDA entourage as his boss William Ruto held campaigns in various parts of Nairobi County.

On July 15, the Director of Communications in Ruto’s presidential campaign Hussein Mohamed stated that while he had advised Ruto and Gachagua against attending the debate, the final decision was to be made by the candidates. 

“On the matter of the Presidential Debate, I think we made a statement on that earlier. Whether or not the candidate or his running mate will appear is a matter that now firmly rests with them,” he stated.

The first session of the debate will see Agano party’s running mate Ruth Mutua face off with George Wajackoyah’s running mate Justina Wamae.

Journalists Sophia Wanuna (KTN) and James Smart (NTV) will moderate the main debate while TV47’s Linda Alela  and KBC presenter John Jacob Mworia will coordinate the first session.

The panel discussions prior, in between and after the two sessions will be oversighted by the Citizen TV anchor and presenter Trevor Ombija.

Kenyans who wish to participate in the Deputy Presidential Debate can send a 30-second-clip of their questions via Whatsapp number 0796 560560 or sms it to 22843

The Presidential debate pitting candidates Raila Odinga, William Ruto, George Wajackoya and David Mwaure will be held on Tuesday, July 26.