GACHAGUA CLAIMS FAROUK KIBET IS THE REAL POWER BEHIND RUTO

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has hit back at President William Ruto’s recent remarks, denying that he frequently sparked unnecessary political fights within the Kenya Kwanza administration.

In an exclusive interview with KTpN News, Gachagua instead pointed fingers at Farouk Kibet, a powerful aide to President Ruto, accusing him of overstepping his mandate and operating as a “co-president.”

“Farouk Kibet is not a small man… he is a co-president in this country. He runs the government — everybody reports to him,” Gachagua said.

He claimed Kibet has become the de facto authority within the cabinet, relaying directives from the president and instilling fear among cabinet secretaries.

“Cabinet members tremble at the very sight of him,” Gachagua alleged.

The former DP recounted an incident in which Kibet allegedly tried to interfere with his office operations, including making appointments. Gachagua said he resisted the move, initially assuming the orders came from President Ruto.

“There’s no way I would allow Farouk to give me instructions. He tried to run my office, make appointments, and at first, I thought maybe that’s how President Ruto wanted us to work,” he recounted.

Gachagua further accused Kibet of soliciting bribes from individuals seeking access to his office, a matter he claimed to have reported to the president — who allegedly dismissed the concern as trivial.

He also refuted allegations that he threatened to have Members of Parliament fired last December, insisting his advice was driven by public discontent over the high cost of living.

“I told MPs that people do not want the Finance Bill. Don’t follow the president blindly. If you don’t adjust by December, you risk backlash from the people,” Gachagua explained.

These remarks come just days after President Ruto accused Gachagua of demanding Sh10 billion in exchange for his political support ahead of the 2027 general election.