Zubeida Kananu Makes Comeback for Another Debate Session

According to a press release issued by the Presidential Debates Secretariat on Tuesday, July 19, Zubeida will moderate the debate alongside Citizen TV's Francis Gachuri in the first debate featuring candidates who have received less than 5% in three recent opinion polls (Roots party's Justina Wamae and Agano's Ruth Mutua).

The changes were revealed by the secretariat, who were replacing TV47's Linda Alela and KBC's John Jacob Kioria, who was set to moderate the session.

"The moderators have been selected based on rigorous criteria that abide by, among other things, the principles of impartiality, fairness and objectivity, a strong understanding of the Kenyan political landscape and the major issues of this election," read part of the statement. 

The Secretariat added that the interview will be conducted in a fair manner.

"We reiterate that under the Presidential Debates Guidelines, the moderators will select the questions to be asked, and shall not share the same with the candidates. They will not meet with any of the campaign teams or the candidates."

This is the second time Zubeida will be conducting an interview after the first Nairobi gubernatorial debate session that was conducted last week.

The debate elicited mixed reactions from the journalist and aspiring NairobiGovrnor Johnson Sakaja.

Did anyone notice Igathes's laugh during the exchange between Sakaja and Zubeida. It was genuine trolling laugh. https://t.co/NCMvhGLVMH

— A-A-RON (@necchy_) July 13, 2022

However, the second debate, which will feature candidates who received more than 5% in three recent surveys, will still be moderated by Sophia Wanuna of KTN News and James Smart of NTV. Rigathi Gachagua of Kenya Kwanza and Martha Karua of Azimio la Umoja will be involved.

Trevor Ombija of Citizen TV will moderate the panel discussions for both debates.