Is Farouk Kibet to Ruto what Biwott was to Moi?

 

One Friday in the year 2020, George Kinoti’s team was quite busy at an unusual location—the office of the Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya, specifically at the Harambee House Annex. The detectives were there following up on investigations and gathering evidence in the Rashid Echesa case, an operation conducted very quietly to avoid drawing attention. This development is unprecedented in Kenyan history.

While there have been conflicts between vice presidents and presidents before, never has there been a case of investigators conducting inquiries at the office of such a high-ranking official. The question remains—are they looking for evidence?

This moment marks a significant development, and according to insiders, the next phase involves investigating close aides to Deputy President William Samoei Ruto, one prominent name being Farouk Kibet. Farouk is known as the Deputy President’s "gatekeeper"—it is virtually impossible to see the Deputy President without going through him.

Farouk Kibet first attracted international attention when ICC Chief Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda named him among those allegedly interfering with witnesses in the case against William Ruto. Although details were scarce, reports suggest that he once stormed into an Eldoret police station, a bold move in Kenya's security landscape.

Farouk’s connection to Ruto goes back to the 1997 elections when Ruto first entered Parliament against significant odds. Farouk’s father, Paul Talgat, was an ardent Ruto supporter, while Farouk supported Ruto’s opponent. However, by 2008, Farouk had become one of Ruto’s staunchest allies, willing to take significant risks on his behalf.

At the funeral of Farouk's father in 2018, several prominent politicians, including Aden Duale and Kipchumba Murkomen, used the opportunity to air grievances about Farouk's role and influence. They described him as a “dictator,” particularly in controlling access to the Deputy President’s office, including deciding who could and couldn’t have lunch in the office. The lack of an official office for Farouk—his “office” being a corridor where he intercepts visitors—further highlights his unusual role.

Farouk’s name has surfaced repeatedly in various controversies and scandals, including Jacob Juma’s assassination. A significant revelation came at his father’s funeral when Rashid Echesa, a former Cabinet Secretary, disclosed that Farouk introduced him to politics, underscoring their close connection.

The intricate web of relationships around powerful figures is closely scrutinized in many countries, as it often has profound political implications.

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