On Tuesday, July 26, Deputy President William Ruto faced moderators of the highly anticipated presidential debate at the Catholic University of East Africa (CUEA).
This was after his bitter rival Raila Odinga of the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition party pulled out of the debate at the last minute citing the alleged low credibility of his opponent.
During the debate, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) presidential flag bearer put on a spirited fight in the face of tough questions from journalists Yvonne Okwara and Eric Latif.
His performance angered and impressed many in almost equal measure.
As expected, supporters of Ruto’s rival Raila Odinga found the former Eldoret North MPs performance wanting as shown by comments from people close to Raila.
“He (William Ruto) “debated” himself and lost BIG. Incoherent. Stumbling. Mumbling. Unable to explain himself. A liar. Exposed — as a bitter man without substance, or vision. A demagogue consumed by the evil within himself. I knew I would have the last laugh, and I did. I rest my case,” said Makau Mutua, Raila Odinga’s campaign secretariate spokesman.
Ruto’s supporters were however impressed and even congratulated him for apparently honouring his support based by showing up for the debate.
Who else would have been more happy than his own wife, Racheal Ruto who wasted no time congratulating her husband using his other name ‘bill’ immediately after the debate was over.
“Congratulations Bill (for coming to the presidential debate). You were perfect. The last man standing. May God carry you on,” she said in a Facebook post.
Ruto’s message was echoed by other Kenya Kwanza Alliance luminaries including William Ruto’s presidential running-mate Rigathi Gachagua.
