Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition presidential candidate Raila Odinga has defended his decision to give the 2022 presidential debate a wide berth.

Raila said the debate would offer his major opponent from the Kenya Kwanza Alliance William Ruto an avenue to cleanse his past that is otherwise marred by corruption allegations.

He emphasised he would not bring himself to debate with someone whom he accused of looting the public funds.

“I cannot go and debate someone who has looted the public coffers to that level. I won’t go,” Raila said.

Raila also said the debate would present Ruto with a platform in the televised debate to promote his lies.

The former prime minister said he will only meet Ruto at the ballot.