Many compare him to Nicholas Biwott, widely known as the “Total Man,” who was one of the most powerful men in President Daniel arap Moi’s era.
Biwott wielded unchecked power and commanded intense veneration, and many now see a modern parallel in Farouk Kibet.
Kibet, a man with no official office yet a significant figure in William Ruto’s government, has fashioned himself as a man who not only has the President’s ear but also runs the state’s show.
Who is this man, Farouk Kibet? Times Digital Kenya takes a closer look at Ruto’s personal assistant, an enigmatic character whom some have dubbed Kenya’s co-president.
When Ruto and Farouk Kibet’s friendship began
The friendship between William Ruto and Farouk Kibet spans over 25 years. Farouk Kibet’s political roots trace back to the KANU era, where he made his mark as a party activist in Eldoret North Constituency.
Ruto, then a young Turk in KANU’s YK92, crossed paths with Kibet during his first attempt at the Eldoret North parliamentary seat in 1997. It was during this period that Farouk played a key role in Ruto’s successful bid for the seat and, since then, became his close right-hand man.
From the time William Ruto was a Member of Parliament to his tenure as Cabinet Minister, Deputy President, and now President, Farouk Kibet has consistently remained his trusted confidant.
How Powerful is Farouk Kibet now?
As a longtime close ally of William Ruto, Kibet enjoys the benefits of years of loyalty. Even so, some believe his influence has exceeded expectations.
According to remarks by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, although Kibet does not hold a publicly known official office, he remains a key and influential figure close to Ruto.
“Farouk Kibet is not a small person. Ministers tremble in his presence. He wanted to run my office, and that is when we differed,” Gachagua said in a past interview.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen once suggested that to reach the President, one must first obtain clearance from Farouk Kibet.
Similarly, Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale stated that while Kibet may not have a formal office, he operates along what has been described as the “corridor of power.” He noted that Members of Parliament faced challenges accessing Ruto’s office when he served as Deputy President, as Kibet was no-nonsense in his approach.
Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro is also on record stating that Kibet’s office is effectively that of the President of Kenya, arguing that one cannot access Ruto if Kibet says no. Nyoro further claimed that even the Deputy President must obtain approval from Farouk Kibet to reach the President.
