Farouk’s role in Dr Ruto’s political life clear, well understood
The Mt Kenya Times 
Mr Farouk Kibet
By: Joseph Mutua Ndonga
Worth Noting:
- President Mwai Kibaki’s tenure, we had Hon Matere Keriri, Lucy Kibaki and Stanley Murage. In Uhuru Kenyatta presidency, we had Hon Kinuthia Mbugua and Jomo Gicaga.
- One may ask. Do the presidents of other countries create these positions? Yes. The positions of aides exist even in advanced democracies such as US and other countries in Europe.
- Let us bear in mind. Someone, who serves as a personal aide, must be very close to the heart of the President. Those in the know aver that the friendship between President Ruto and Farouk dates back to more than two decades and the latter’s loyalty to Dr Ruto have remained strong and deep-rooted.
Mr Farouk Kibet, President William Ruto’s personal aide, is rightfully the most powerful man in Dr Ruto’s political life. For the majority of Kenyans, I am sure they have not heard much about him. This is because he does much of his work behind the cameras.
But for me as a political observer, I have so far managed to gather some little information on who is Farouk Kibet. First, he is widely regarded as a good, kind hearted and down to earth man.
But for the politicians and state actors looking for an opportunity to hobnob, gossip and have a tete-a-tete with the President, they bore different opinions. This is because of firmness and boldness when you cross his line. Farouk is not just a gatekeeper to the throne but a person who give permission to those who meet the president.
When Dr Ruto was elected as the President, he immediately changed his status. If you look at his diary, his in-tray and schedule is always full.
So, being a top handler of Dr Ruto, Farouk’s new and enhanced role is well understood. He is there to keep away retrogressive and self-centered politicians, state actors and intruders.
Some of these politicians were known to be big-headed because they believed the presidency was their entitlement. For this reason, he is bound to fail and risked losing his job if he handled them with kid gloves.
The President could not have won the election without our support. Here, these politicians forgot one thing. The president was elected by millions of Kenyans because of the promises he made to them. So, if he listened more to these politicians, who had the mentality ‘it is our time to eat’, then it means the President was bound to fail.
I disagree with those claiming that Farouk’s role is not anchored in law. The President is entitled to appoint aides who help him to meet the expectations of the electorate.
Again, the previous administrations had created similar positions. During the era of President Daniel Arap Moi, we had Nicholas Kipyator Biwott, Shariff Nassir. Apart from being cabinet ministers, the duo helped the President to undertake other assignments.
President Mwai Kibaki’s tenure, we had Hon Matere Keriri, Lucy Kibaki and Stanley Murage. In Uhuru Kenyatta presidency, we had Hon Kinuthia Mbugua and Jomo Gicaga.
One may ask. Do the presidents of other countries create these positions? Yes. The positions of aides exist even in advanced democracies such as US and other countries in Europe.
Let us bear in mind. Someone, who serves as a personal aide, must be very close to the heart of the President. Those in the know aver that the friendship between President Ruto and Farouk dates back to more than two decades and the latter’s loyalty to Dr Ruto have remained strong and deep-rooted.
A few days ago, Farouk demonstrated the immense power he wields when he hosted the Kenya Kwanza top leaders led by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for thanksgiving prayers in Koilel in Ainapkoi [the home turf of President Ruto]. He did this on behalf of the President who was away in Uganda.
Speaking at this event, Gachagua described Farouk as Dr Ruto’s right man who you can only ignore at your own peril. This man is very powerful. If you want to see the President you must get permission from him.
He added. During the campaign we used to say ‘hutapangwingwi’ but this man [Farouk] used to order us, organize us on how to attend the all the social gatherings, including public rallies, he had organized for Dr Ruto.
MP Ndindi Nyoro, Speaker Moses Wetangula and ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi were among other leaders who showered him with President.
Ndindi stated; Farouk is the eye and ear of Dr Ruto. Even DP must get permission from him when he wants to meet the president. So, the presence of the President is here when you see this man.
Joseph Mutua Ndonga is a writer and political commentator based in Nairobi
Similar Posts by The Mt Kenya Times:
- Mt Kenya Times ePAPER August 3, 2026
- Kindiki digs in: I will not resign, the ticket is settled
- Kenya’s debt trap: The case for restructuring before the wall hits
- Is time changing, or are people changing?
- What Kenya can learn from the air force: Why our plans fail to deliver and how to build a system that works
About the Author
