Smriti Vidyarthi of NTV and Ken Mijungu of KTN News will moderate the first presidential debate, which will feature George Wajackoyah of the Roots Party and David Mwaure of Agano, and candidates whose popularity ratings are below 5%.
Raila Odinga and William Ruto will compete in the second round, which will be moderated by Yvonne Okwara of Citizen TV and Eric Latiff of Spice FM and KTN news. Both candidates have ratings above 5% in recent polls.
The moderators were picked following a thorough process, according to Clifford Machoka, the head of the presidential debate secretariat.
“The moderators have been selected based on rigorous criteria that, among other things endear principles of impartiality, fairness and objectivity, a strong understanding of the Kenyan political landscape and the major issues in this election,” said Machoka in his statement.
He also advises the chosen journalists not to interact with any campaign personnel or ask questions of the candidates.
“Under the presidential debate rules, the moderators will select the questions to be asked and shall not share the same with candidates. They will not meet with any of the campaign teams or the candidates,” Machoka added.
The Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) in Karen will host the debate.
Linda Alela of TV47 and John Jacob Kioria of the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) served as the moderators for the deputy presidential discussion. Sophia Wanuna of KTN News and James Smart of NTV served as the moderators for the second-tier candidates.
