Gachagua: Farouk Kibet is a ‘co-president’ in Ruto regime

By Newsflash Reporter

In a fiery Monday night interview with KTN News, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua launched a scathing attack on President William Ruto’s long-time aide, Farouk Kibet, calling him a de facto “co-president” and accusing him of overstepping his role.

Gachagua dismissed claims that he had been undermining the President by targeting junior staff, particularly Farouk, who serves as Ruto’s personal assistant. “The President said I was fighting small people,” Gachagua said, “but I don’t fight anybody. He claimed I was fighting Farouk Kibet — yet Farouk is practically a co-president in this country.”

According to Gachagua, Farouk’s influence within the Kenya Kwanza administration extends far beyond that of a typical aide. “William Ruto issues directives to Cabinet ministers through Farouk Kibet,” he alleged. “Ministers tremble at the very sight of him, and yet he wanted to give instructions to Rigathi Gachagua.”

Solicit money

Gachagua accused Farouk of attempting to run his former office by scheduling meetings and issuing directives without his consent. He also claimed that Farouk used his name to solicit money from individuals seeking access to him. “Farouk was collecting money from people promising access to me — and I had nothing to offer in return,” Gachagua stated.

The former deputy president said the situation became untenable and forced him to confront the President directly. “I told the President: if you want me to do something, give the orders directly, and I will obey. But you cannot use your PA to order me around.”

Farouk Kibet has long remained behind the scenes despite his prominent position in Ruto’s inner circle. However, Gachagua’s revelations have thrust him into the spotlight — and ignited a new political storm.