Farouk Kibet and Dennis Itumbi control the government - Gachagua
Gachagua, however, dismissed the President’s characterisation, insisting that Kibet is not a “small man” but rather a powerful figure within the current administration.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has claimed that the Kenyan government is effectively being run by President William Ruto's long-time personal assistant, Farouk Kibet, and Dennis Itumbi, the Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy.
His remarks come shortly after President Ruto stated that Gachagua had been embroiled in disputes with what he referred to as “small men.”
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Gachagua, however, dismissed the President’s characterisation, insisting that Kibet is not a “small man” but rather a powerful figure within the current administration.
“Farouk Kibet is not a small man. He is a co-president in this country. Farouk Kibet runs the government. Everyone reports to him— including the Inspector General of Police, the Head of Public Service, and even Cabinet Secretaries. William Ruto gives instructions to ministers through him, and they tremble at the mere sight of him,” Gachagua said.
President William Ruto's long-time personal assistant, Farouk Kibet.
He went on to describe how Kibet allegedly tried to take over the operations of his office.
“Farouk Kibet wanted to issue instructions about who could book appointments to meet me. At first, I thought it was simply how things worked under President Ruto. But I later discovered that Kibet was collecting money from people who wanted to see me, despite the fact I had nothing to offer them.”
Gachagua said he raised the issue directly with the President, expressing concern about the ethical implications.
“I went to the President and said, ‘Mr President, I am your principal assistant. Your personal assistant cannot give me instructions. If you want to direct me, do it yourself and I will follow. But your PA cannot order me around.’
I also told him that Kibet was extorting money from people seeking to meet me and that it was tarnishing the reputation of State House, which had effectively become a centre of corruption.”
The former Deputy President further accused Kibet of abusing his position for personal gain, saying he collected bribes under the pretence that he represented Gachagua.
“People were spreading claims that Kibet was taking money on my behalf, and I confronted him. He told me he had to make money and claimed he had powerful connections—including with someone he referred to as the ‘Metaphor Mumbi’.”
Gachagua also took aim at Dennis Itumbi, branding him the President’s chief propagandist. He claimed Itumbi plays a major role in influencing presidential messaging and decision-making.
“Dennis Itumbi is not a small man. This government is being run by Itumbi and Kibet. Itumbi drafts the statements issued by ministers—including those involving violence. If the President dislikes the direction of a discussion, Itumbi has the authority to walk into his office and shut the meeting down.”
He reiterated that he has consistently spoken out against questionable practices within the administration.
“I’m the only one who tells the President when something is wrong. If he says I’m fighting ‘small people’, then I’m simply standing up for what’s right.”
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