FAROUK AND ITUMBI RUN THE GOVERNMENT - GACHAGUA

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has claimed that the Kenyan government is being run by President William Ruto's hench men, Farouk Kibet, his long time aidee and Dennis Itumbi, the Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy.

Gachagua was responding to President Ruto's statements which accused him of disputing with ' small men' while he was Deputy President.

However, the former DP refuted Ruto's characterisation, maintaining that Kibet should not be referred as a 'small man' but rather a powerful figure within the Kenya Kwanza 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,” he said.

He went on accusing Kibet of allegedly trying to take over the operations of his office by controlling the DP's appointments and even demanding money from Gachagua's visitors.

“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.”

An issue which he raised to the President ;

“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.’

He also claimed that Farouk was extorting money from State house guests, and in confronting him, he credited himself with the right to take money due to his power.

“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 switched to Dennis Itumbi, calling him the President’s chief propagandist. He claimed Itumbi plays a critical role in presidential messages 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.”

Gachagua insisted that he tried reporting these issues to Ruto but they were ignored.

“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.” he concluded.