The debate brought together all the eight presidential candidates to engage with each other on live television in run-up to next month's tightly contested vote. The candidates from among whom Kenyans will pick their Fourth President in the March 4 elections include James ole Kiyiapi (Restore and Build Kenya), Martha Karua (Narc Kenya), Peter Kenneth (Eagle Alliance), Musalia Mudavadi (Amani Coalition), Uhuru Kenyatta (Jubilee Alliance), Raila Odinga (CORD), Mohamed Dida (Alliance for Real Change), and Paul Mwite (Safina Party).

Raila Odinga, Kenya’s Prime Minister, and his deputy Uhuru Kenyatta, who faces trial for crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court are seen as the favourites in the vote. Political analysts contended that the debate produced no clear winner and that all the candidates came out of the debate with their support base intact.

The historic debate dubbed “Presidential Debate 2013” was organised by the Media Owners Association to allow the contenders a more exacting engagement with the people on critical issues such as ethnicity, security, education and healthcare.

The debate will continue on February 25, 2013.