Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has spoken out about the relationship with President William Ruto’s aide Farouk Kibet.
Speaking during a recent interview on KTN TV, Gachagua dismissed claims that Farouk holds a minor role in government, arguing that he is more than just an assistant.
The former DP went on to allege that Ruto himself gives instructions to Cabinet Secretaries through Farouk instead of using formal channels.
Gachagua alleges Farouk and Itumbi run the government. Photo: Courtesy.
He moreover claimed that powerful government officials including the Inspector General of Police and the Head of Public Service report to Farouk.
“He says I was fighting Farouk Kibet. Farouk Kibet is not a small man; he is a co-president in this country, and he runs the government,” Gachagua said. This is despite Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro remarking that even Gachagua required Farouk’s approval to meet with Ruto. Everybody reports to him; the IG of Police, Head of Public Service and Cabinet Ministers. William Ruto issues instructions to Cabinet Ministers through Farouk Kibet. Ministers tremble at his very sight.”
In an interview on March 31, President Ruto had revealed Gachagua’s political battles with junior government officials including blogger Dennis Itumbi and Farouk.
The Head of State noted that the former DP’s conflicts began soon after the 2022 elections, forcing him to intervene.
“After the elections, we started working. However, not long after that, Rigathi Gachagua started having cases with, among others, blogger Dennis Itumbi, Farouk Kibet, and MPs Ndindi Nyoro and Kimani Ichung’wah. I had to ask him, “You are a Deputy President; why are you fighting with people holding small roles such as a blogger and a personal assistant?” he noted.
According to Ruto, he advised Gachagua to focus on serving the nation instead of engaging in unnecessary conflicts.
However, according to Gachagua, Farouk was making arrangements for his meetings, something he was open to until he unearthed alleged corruption schemes.
Gachagua further alleged that he took his complaints to Ruto, insisting that Farouk would not make any appointments for him or schedule any of his meetings until the issues of corruption were addressed.
Farouk is a long-serving personal assistant and close confidant of Ruto.
