The 2007 Presidential Debate

PRESS RELEASE

From: Mkawasi Mcharo Hall

15 December, 2007

The Kenyan Community Abroad (KCA) is dismayed by President Kibaki's unwillingness to participate in what would have been a precedent- setting event in Kenya: a formal, televised, and open exchange of ideas between all presidential candidates and the people of Kenya.

The Kenyan Community Abroad envisioned the 2007 Presidential Debate as a wonderful opportunity for the presidential candidates to articulate their party manifestos and field question and concerns of crucial national importance to Kenyans. To this end, KCA has worked tirelessly to help facilitate a Presidential debate in collaboration with Kenya-based organizations, and has approached all the presidential teams with the idea. In collaboration with NTV network and Kenya National Commission for Human Rights (KNCHR), plans were made to host a moderated presidential debate in Nairobi, but without the presence of all parties concerned, such a debate in no longer a possibility.

It is imperative that all presidential candidates be available for the debate. Each candidate has made pledges to Kenyans and committed to actions and promises that need closer scrutiny and clarification. Each of the candidates needs to demonstrate to Kenyans how different he is from the others. Each of the candidates has also been accused of one wrong or another by the others. The electorate needs an opportunity, prior to the election, to assess each candidate as he explains and clarifies concerns, accusations, and issues of importance to voters. A debate would elevate discussion beyond pronouncements, declarations, admonitions and promises made to large crowds without the benefit of any exchange of ideas.

KCA is a non-partisan organization that believes in good governance and accountability. Our record of achievement in organizing, and creating awareness of the crucial role the diaspora continues to play in the Kenyan economy speaks for itself. We trust the ability of selected well trained academics, youth representatives, journalists, distinguished professionals and the civil society leadership in Kenya to provide a balanced, non-partisan, moderation of a presidential debate, and strongly believe all voters deserve attention and respect, as well as correct information to allow informed decision- making. There is no better opportunity to accomplish this than in a focused and balanced environment provided by a formal, moderated, debate. We believe it is unfortunate that such a debate, a critical feature of modern democratic practice, might not occur before Election Day on December 27.

KCA wishes to thank NTV and KNCHR for their willingness to collaborate with us in this noble endeavor. We shall continue to reach out to the presidential candidates with a view to getting THEM to agree to some form of dialogue before Election Day. If and when we reach an agreement on a form of dialogue with the presidential candidates we shall keep Kenyans informed so they can prepare their questions, concerns, and observations for the presidential candidates.

Signed:
 
The KCA 2007 Presidential Debate Committee
  Dr. Frank Mwaniki
  Dr. Wambui G. Updike
  Dr. Angaluki Muaka
 
cc.
The KCA Board of Trustees

The KCA Executive
Ms. Mkawasi M. Hall
President, KCA
Washington D.C.