The last of the planned national televised presidential debates of 2022 went down on Tuesday, July 26 at the Catholic University of East Africa (CUEA) albeit on a lower note than expected.

Two of the four candidates namely Prof George Wajackoyah of Roots Party and Raila Odinga of the Azimio Coalition failed to show up leaving Willian Ruto and David Mwaure to address the nation.

Deputy President William Ruto’s solitary debate hosted by Citizen TV's Yvonne Okwara and KTN's Eric Lactiff exposed some areas where the Kenya Kwanza Presidential candidate did not give a conclusive explanation on some issues. 

Deputy President William Ruto responds to questions during the presidential debate at CUEA, on 25 July 2022. KENYANS.CO.KE

Ruto avoided some of the questions raised and in some instances contradicted himself, as he endeared himself to the electorate.

Food Security 

On the question of food security in the country, Ruto was tasked to explain how his plan is different from the Galana-Kulana project which gobbled billions with zero returns.

A defensive Ruto appeared to blame the stalling of the project and several others on the 2018 handshake that saw him fall out of favour with the President in the second term of their administration. 

“It was sabotaged because we never got to implement that plan. Immediately we changed course, the whole big four plan was shelved and we went on a tangent because of the handshake. We went to handshake and BBI,” remarked Ruto during the debate.

This was, however, not satisfactory to the moderators who enquired about how the 2018 handshake affected the Galana-Kulalu project which was conceived in Ruto’s first term as Deputy President.

Unga prices

The second in command was further put to task for his criticism of the maize subsidy to cushion Kenyans from the high price of unga, in relation to a similar scenario witnessed in 2017. 

In his defence, the DP stated: "In 2017, the price of Maize flour went up to Sh140 but it didn't go to Sh230 that we are seeing today. This is because we haven't supported the farmers. It is due to the removal of fertilizer subsidy that the price of Unga has shot up."

Fuel Crisis

Ruto was also questioned on how he intends to tackle the problem of the high cost of fuel which in turn affects many aspects of the economy. According to him, over 15 fifteen taxes and levies imposed on petroleum are contributors to the high cost of petroleum products.

“I think the first thing that we need to do is look at the taxes because almost 50% of the cost of fuel is taxes. I think there are 15 different taxes on fuel and I think it is time we think about other means of raising revenue,” the Deputy President remarked.  

He was, however, unable to identify the levies when put to task by Yvonne Okwara.

“I think the majority of the taxes that are in that bracket, I think there are almost fifteen taxes in that bracket, I do not have the specifics,” a hesitant William Ruto replied. 

Eric Latiff and Yvonne Okwara during the presidential debate at CUEA on 25 July 2022 KENYANS.CO.KE

Security

The journalists also questioned Ruto on the constant security threats experienced in Elgeyo Marakwet and other neighbouring counties in the Rift Valley. According to the DP, the recent instability in the region is a result of some people settling political scores on the matter. 

He explained that political interests led to the disbandment of the national police reservists who were meant to protect the regions from bandits. 

He, however, failed to convince Yvonne and Latiff on how a government would purpose to destabilize a region because of an individual.

“Are you telling the people of Kerio Valley that 150 of them have been buried because the government is punishing the Deputy President,” asked Eric Latif.

Ballooning Debt

On the issue of the national debt, Ruto suggested a slow down on borrowing and non-priority projects. He was further questioned on the reason the government has declined to publicize some of the terms of the country’s loans in a government where he served as the second in command for a decade. 

“Are you saying that in the last nine years you have sat in cabinet and said that you would like the contract details to be released to the public?” asked the panel. 

“ I will I will not tell you whatever discussions took place in the cabinet,” Ruto replied. 

Ghosts of Arror and Kimwarer

On the contentious issue of the Kimwarer and Arror dams, the deputy president blamed the stalling on politically instigated wars, denying the widely spread allegations that public funds were embezzled. He was however taken back to his remarks that sparked uproar in the country saying that only seven billion shillings were lost. 

“Do you believe any money was lost? Asked Yvonne.

“I do not believe any money was lost, and even if any money was lost people should be taken to court,” replied Ruto. 

“But you said, around 2019 that around seven billion shillings were lost,” interjected Yvonne. 

Judiciary

When asked about the independence of the Judiciary and the attack on the Supreme Court judges after the nullification of their election in 2017, Ruto seemed to distance himself from the 'revisiting' by the Executive.

He noted that he played a central role in pushing the president to follow the ruling and be subjected to a second round of election. He, however, failed to adequately comment on his criticizing the judges and terming them as "wakora"

Land appetite

When asked about public perception of his insatiable appetite for land, Ruto maintained that he acquired all his land legally.

"I've been audited inside out on any matter. Any piece of land that I have is legally acquired. People who sold land to me fraudulently are in court"

When Latiff pressed on, "Enough is enough" Ruto closed the discussion.

Deputy President arrives the Presidential Debate at CUE on Tuesday, July 26, 2022. By ROBINSON NDUNGU, KENYANS.CO.KE