BY SAM ALFAN.
Attempt by The Alliance for Real Change presidential candidate to block presidential debate slated for 10th July 2017, 24th July 2017 has failed.
This after High court this morning dismissed a case filed by Abduba
Dida seeking to have the debates stopped.
“Having fully considered the submissions made by the advocate for parties in this case, I am not satisfied that the petitioner has proved his case to the required standard, I dismiss this petition with
costs to the first respondent” ruled Justice Mativo.
Mativo ruled that the case has no merit adding that the relief sought by Dida are unwarranted.
Further the judge ruled that the guidelines set by the organizers of the event will not affect Duba or other candidate in presenting their issues.
“I am not satisfied that the petitioner has proved his case to the required standard,” ruled justice Mativo.
Judge Joseph Mativo has dismissed his case after finding that it does not constitute discrimination for the organizers of the debate to separate the candidates into two groups for the purposes of the debate.
Mr Mohammed Abduba Dida moved to court seeking to block the presidential debate slated for 10th July 2017, 24th July 2017.
Mr Dida argues that the presidential debates guidelines are discriminatory, in bad faith and contrary to the constitution of Kenya, 2010.
In his petition Dida claimed that it is in the interest of justice that all the presidential candidate be afforded same status as by law provided when they are outlining their visions for the country on the 10th and 24 of July 2017.
He says that his rights have been violated specifically for being subjected to guidelines that essentially treat him as a second class presidential candidate.
“A declaration that all presidential candidates are equal with regards to articulating their manifestos and during such public debates, “claims Dida.
The Presidential candidates’ debate is set to take place on July 10 and 24, ahead of the general election on August 8.
The sessions will take place from 7.30pm at Catholic University of Eastern Africa. The running mates’ debate will take place on July 17 at the same time.
The debates are aimed at helping voters make informed choices, promoting national cohesion and steering campaigns towards the quality of leadership rather than personalities.
