Azimio la Umoja - One Kenya party presidential aspirant Raila Odinga will not attend the presidential debate slated for Tuesday, July 26.

In a statement released by the Spokesperson of his Presidential Campaign Secretariat Prof Makau Mutua, Raila says that a traditional debate structure with opposing candidates is a bad idea this year. 

He will therefore hold a similar exercise with his running mate Martha Karua to avert what they termed as an anticipated 'empty self-serving political theatre.'

"In lieu of a traditional debate, we plan to take part in a televised town hall at Jericho social hall in Nairobi Eastlands with ordinary Kenyans to offer our solutions to challenges facing the country and common people," the statement read.

Azimio's team argue that the decision has been occasioned by the nature of its main opponent, and UDA's presidential candidate William Ruto and his demands. 

Azimio insists on having a debate around corruption, integrity, ethics, and governance, pillars the coalition says Ruto is not keen on.