The Media Owners Association, the Media Council of Kenya And the Kenya Editors Guild have dismissed Deputy President William Ruto's withdrawal from the event, stating that it undermines the democracy of the electorate who will be choosing their leaders come August 9. 

In a statement released in response to the claims of media bias that led to the DP's withdrawal from the event, the institutions defended the integrity of the event, stating that it is governed by publicized guidelines, and also has been tried and tested in previous occasions and hence should not be subject to such allegations.

They further reminded the DP's camp of the importance of the debate, as it holds the power to shape the country's future and hence his failure to attend threatens that sole purpose.

"For a country that has so many diverse political voices, debates have become the place for clarity of priorities, public policies and ideas and other development aspects that are key to the Kenyan people," the statement read in part.

"During these debates, the public gets to listen to their candidates and gauge what their priorities could be once they assume office.  In that way, they catalyse issue-based elections; provide an opportunity for candidates to debate ; interact and engage and enable Kenyans to make informed decisions," it continued.

The institutions maintained that the debate is still scheduled for July 2022, as the organisation of the event is at very advanced stages. The media owners have also informed all prospective presidential candidates of the same including the WSR presidential secretariat in order to have them map out their expectations and therefore will not call it off , as many stakeholders involved are looking forward to ensure that it is a success.

"Indeed, for us to take our country forward ,it behooves us to work together rather than threaten processes that are important to the country," they stated.

The media owners ,therefore, stated that a panel of senior editors drawn from various media outlets has been formed to  provide stewardship of content aspects to safeguard the interests of the public as well as uphold integrity, fairness, independence and accountability to avoid such claims of favouritism.

The agencies assured that they would be making an announcement in the near future detailing how and when Kenyans can participate.

DP Ruto's team had alleged that he was accorded shorter media coverage than his rivals in the presidential race, which motivated them to advise him to withdraw from taking part in the 2022 Presidential Debate.