Hot topics to be discussed in running mates’ debate

Even as the country is shaping up for the first ever presidential running mate debates scheduled for Monday, July 17, Kenyans have already narrowed the race down to a two-horse race just as in the presidential contest.

In a move meant to help Kenyans make an informed choice in August 8th polls, eight presidential running mates are set to face-off on Monday in a public debate.

The eight presidential running mates expected to participate in the debate are: Emmanuel Nzai, Eliud Kariara, Miriam Mutua, Moses Marango, Orina Momanyi, Titus Ng’etuny, Kalonzo Musyoka and Deputy President William Ruto.

However, the Presidential Strategic Communications director Dennis Itumbi posted a tweet saying that DP Ruto will be joining his Jubilee Party leader President Uhuru Kenyatta on the campaign trai.

Mr Itumbi said that the Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichungwa will represent the DP in the battle of the running mates.

Here are the hot topics that are likely to be discussed

Longevity in the corridors of power VS service to the people

DP William Ruto, who is the running-mate of President Uhuru Kenyatta, and his Jubilee bandwagon have on numerous occasions labelled the National Super Alliance (NASA) co-principals as power-hungry leaders who are after power and not to serving Kenyans.

President Kenyatta has even joked that Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka and company have a combined 200 years in power, yet they have nothing to show as achievement in all these years.

The opposition, NASA, argue that they have never held the highest office, the presidency, which to them is significant and influential resource allocation.

Unga crisis and skyrocketing cost of living

NASA leaders have in return accused the Jubilee administration of incompetence and failing to manage the country’s economy evidenced by the high cost of living since they ascended to power in 2013.

The opposition says that prices of basic commodities like sugar and milk have spiked to the suffering of the common people.

Development projects

The Jubilee coalition has been boasting of the numerous projects the government has rolled out since 2013.

Milestone projects such as the completion of the first phase of SGR from Mombasa to Nairobi, free maternity for all mothers, increased number of Kenyans connected to electricity, tarmacking of roads and attracting more investors have been the blueprint of Jubilee government.

NASA, on the other hand, have promised more people-driven policies that will benefit all Kenyans and not just the rich if elected in August.