After a 10-month hiatus, the renowned political journalist Anne Kiguta is back on Kenyan television screens.
Her new hard-hitting political show, Punchline, premieres on K24 TV on Sunday night with Deputy President (DP) William Ruto joining her in the ring as her first guest.
Against the backdrop of 2022 General Election jostling to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta hitting fever pitch, it is no surprise that Ms Kiguta’s first “opponent” is DP Ruto.
“He is a colossal figure in Kenya and there is certainly no shortage of issues to discuss. He is a straight-shooter who doesn’t shy away from the difficult subjects and will be a great guest. I look forward to welcoming him into the ring,” Ms Kiguta said.
Having previously interviewed key political heavyweights and personalities in the public sphere such as Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’I, his powerful deputy Dr Karanja Kibicho and vocal economist David Ndii, Ms Kiguta reiterates she is ready to get in the ring with leaders even if it means doubling down on the tough questions.
“It is not that we go out seeking a fight. It is the nature of drilling down to the truth that fortunately or unfortunately results in the fight back,” said Ms Kiguta.
SUCCESSION RACE
Ms Kiguta’s guest has proved himself a remarkable political operator who has risen from poverty to the second highest office in the land.
So far, Mr Ruto has proved that he shares the same traits with the great marathoners from his Rift Valley backyard, who have conquered the world ever since Kenyans started participating in world competitions.
And like them he has run the political race formidably, astonishing foe and friend alike with his resourcefulness, unassuming mien and sheer determination in quest for the top job.
Already, the anticipation for the show is high and Kenyans have taken to social media to suggest issues they would like Mr Ruto to address.
As the two spar, Ms Kiguta is likely to take on Mr Ruto on some of the promises they made to Kenyans on jobs, growing the economy and tackling corruption.
Since President Kenyatta and Mr Ruto took over the running of the country, the country’s public debt as a percentage of gross domestic product has soared to 55 percent from 42 percent in 2013.
Some detractors claim that the standard gauge railway project — that once complete will cost nearly a trillion shillings – was not value for money.
Mr Kenyatta and Ruto also promised Kenyans double digit economic growth.
But since 2013, annual economic growth has fluctuated between 5.4 percent and 6.4 percent. In addition, the wage bill has kept on rising annually despite the ruling party’s promise to manage recurrent expenditure.
