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Here is what you need to know to get up to speed with today’s happenings.

Mjadala Afrika Leadership Debate

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga is set to take on his African Union Commission (AUC) rivals in a televised debate on Friday, December 13, 2024.

The former Prime Minister will face off with Mahmoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti and Richard Randriamandrato from Madagascar in a debate that will kick off at 19:00 EAT at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

According to the organisers, the debate will be conducted in French and English, with simultaneous interpretation provided to the candidates and the audience in all six working languages of the African Union (English, French, Arabic, Portuguese, Spanish, and Swahili).

As per recently established tradition, candidates going for the AUC post are expected to provide a curriculum vitae, along with vision statements outlining how they intend to address the most pressing issues facing Africa.

All candidates for the position of the AUC chairman’s post must also participate in a televised debate, in which they shall present their visions and ideas on the implementation of Agenda 2063.

Ruto’s speech

President William Ruto‘s speech during the Jamhuri Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens on Thursday, December 12, 2024, is expected to draw reactions.

Ruto particularly answered his critics and questioned why they do not see the good things his government has done.

“When we say that the cost of basic food commodities has come down, it is a fact. When we say that inflation has gone down, it is a fact,” Ruto stated.

“If some of us persist in the culture of reckless negativity, for how long will cynics mobilise Kenyans to deny facts that they can touch, feel, and see? What will they say in a few weeks’ time when we begin to give keys to the new owners of affordable housing units?

“What will they say of the thousands of plumbers, electricians, teachers, health workers, building and construction workers, digital workers, and many more who are already at work, including the 300 young men and women who were flagged off by my deputy yesterday to work abroad?” Ruto wondered.

The president’s speech is expected to draw reactions from supporters and critics alike.