Ruto calls on Raila to attend presidential debate

United Democratic Alliance (UDA) presidential candidate William Ruto has called on his Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition counterpart to reconsider his decision to skip the presidential debate set for Tuesday, July 26.

Speaking in Nandi Hills on Monday, July 25, Ruto said he is ready to debate with Raila.

“I want to encourage my competitor. Please, I will be waiting for you at the debate.”

“I am asking him (Raila) to come, if not for any other reason, so that he can tell Kenyans what is Tibim and Tialala mean.

“These Kenyans want to know what is the essence of these folktales you usually tell at your rallies. Even if you do not have a policy, just come and tell Kenyans that,” Ruto said.

Raila, through his campaign spokesperson Makau Mutua, said he Raila would skip the debate and instead attend a televised town hall meeting at Jericho Social Hall.

Ruto says Raila has no agenda

Ruto, however, claimed Raila opted out of the much-publicised presidential debate because he has no agenda for the country.

“He has feared going for the debate because they cannot articulate any agenda because they have none.

“That man who is full of rhetoric lacks clarity on what he wants for Kenyans. There is only one plan in Kenya and that is the one that Kenya Kwanza has,” Ruto said in Kisii.