FAROUK KIBET
| DATE OF BIRTH | MARCH NOVEMBER 31 |
| GENDER | MALE |
| AGE | 58 |
Farouk Kibet, who serves as President William Ruto‘s Personal Assistant (PA) commands both fear and reverence in equal measure.
As a longtime close aide and ally of the head of state, Farouk enjoys unfettered access to President Ruto despite maintaining a low profile at various public forums.
He attentively scrutinizes every detail, noting individuals and their statements, identifying potential allies among fellow power brokers in the crowd for future engagement.
The public got a glimpse of Farouk when his name was linked to allegations of receiving money from a suspect involved in the Ksh791 million National Youth Service (NYS) scandal.
Additionally, Farouk was mentioned by the International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, who alleged his involvement in the 2007 post-election violence.
Bensouda claimed Farouk had stormed the Eldoret Police Station during the height of the violence and accused him of tampering with ICC witnesses in relation to the case against the DP at The Hague.
Man Behind the Mask
Analysts compare Farouk to figures like Mbiyu Koinange and Nicholas Biwot in modern Kenya, despite holding no political office himself.
Biwott, who was Moi’s personal assistant for a record 20 years, acted behind the scenes and made headlines from time to time despite being extremely secretive and media shy.
The relationship between Farouk and Ruto as well as their political camaraderie is so deep and unusual that both friends and foes agree only nature itself could separate them.
Though lacking any formal political or appointed role at State House, Farouk remains a pivotal figure in Ruto’s inner circle, serving as the President’s right-hand man.
Also Read: Farouk Kibet Gifts School Ksh 1M in Cash
How Farouk Kibet Met President William Ruto
The President and Farouk met in the murky waters of politics in 1997 when the latter was vying for the Eldoret North parliamentary seat.
William Ruto was then actively involved in the infamous YK92, a ruling party youth wing that campaigned for the late President Daniel Moi after the advent of multiparty democracy.
Kibet’s association with Ruto began during the succession period following Moi’s tenure and the dissolution of YK92. He would later become Ruto’s aide as he served as MP until 2002.
He rose as a prominent youth leader in Rift Valley, closely associating with the former MP of Eldoret North and KANU Veteran Reuben Chesire.
In 2002, he was nominated as a counselor with Ruto’s support, gradually solidifying his position as a grassroots organizer within Ruto’s political circle.
Kibet’s Background
He was born and raised in Kapkechui village in Turbo Constituency on the border of Uasin Gishu and Kakamega Counties.
Farouk’s academic background is unclear. It is rumored that he attended Chepkemel Primary School, but there is little information about which high school he attended.
Those familiar with Farouk remember him roaming the streets of Eldoret town in the early 1990s, engaging Kanu Youth Wingers in lively discussions on strategies to enhance the then ruling party’s influence in Uasin Gishu and his hometown of Turbo Division.
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What UDA Leaders Say About Farouk Kibet
Transport Cabinet secretary Kipchumba Murkomen while attending the funeral of Farouk’s father, praised him as a significant key figure close to the head of state, whose role is not widely known to the public.
“This Farouk is a unique individual. Even these newspaper writers do not know what they will write about him. Farouk operates from his office,” he said.
“To meet President William Ruto, you must first get clearance from Farouk. If you meet Farouk, you have met the President. The President himself has instructed us to ensure Farouk has a role in his government.”
Duale once jokingly explained how MPs faced challenges at the office of the Ruto when he was the Deputy President under the watch of Farouk Kibet.
“If you have never seen a dictator, the dictator is Farouk Kibet, you know he doesn’t have an office, but he has a corridor that is called the Corridor of Power,” Duale stated.
“You know at the office of the Deputy President, by one O’clock there is food, but if there is someone who can make you miss the food, it is Farouk Kibet, even when you are hungry, he can tell you to come on Tuesday.”
Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro said Farouk’s office is that of the President of Kenya because one can’t access Ruto if Farouk says no adding that even the Deputy President to reach him Farouk must say yes.
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