Nope. It mostly the risk of saying something stupid than really saying something new that can attract voters. That I believe is why Raila didnt come. These debates are basically a defense - because you're getting hammering - by journalists with tough questions. One gaffe like Raila Mitumba thing in his Manifesto could be lethal two weeks to elections.
So for Ruto - now that he has chosen to attend - he needs to be incredibly disciplined not expose anything that can become fodder for negative propaganda in the last two weeks.
Right now it's time to play defense for both teams...dont say anything outlandish. For example Raila in 2017 - last few days in Kajaido - said Kila Mtu arudi Kwao pahali walitoka- he lost nearly 60 percent to 40 percent for Uhuru - and possibly it extended to Gusii.
For now till 6th - last 10 days - both parties need to talk less and less - because any gaffe - will be hard to recover from.