In a world teeming with deceit and betrayal, life continually proves that every ambitious leader needs a fiercely loyal right-hand man like Farouk Kibet who stands by them through thick and thin. Figures like Dembe in the popular TV series Blacklist exemplify this role.
For President Ruto, no one has shown unwavering loyalty quite like Farouk Kibet, who has stood faithfully by his side since Ruto first entered the political arena in 1992. Farouk’s commitment comes with no price but loyalty itself.
Farouk Kibet is a low-profile figure to the public yet widely recognized in political circles, where he commands both respect and caution. His unwavering commitment to carrying out his boss’s directives has earned him admiration and a measure of fear among friends and associates. Whenever Ruto is present, Farouk is often seen nearby, quietly in the background.
Farouk Kibet Education Background
This has been the standard ever since the two first crossed paths as young men in the Youth for KANU ’92 (YK92) camp during Moi’s era. Both emerging politicians from Eldoret, Ruto had just completed his studies at the University of Nairobi, while Farouk was already immersing himself in the political scene.
Farouk Kibet’s education may have only extended to Chepkemel Primary School, but his determination and hard work propelled him upward in the political world. Known as an exceptional youth mobilizer, he became a vital grassroots player, earning the admiration of local KANU leaders who valued his influence on the ground.
Farouk also contributed articles to local newspapers in support of the KANU regime, which made him a valuable asset when the YK92 group was established. Ruto, fresh from university, and Farouk, already deeply rooted in grassroots politics, came together under the mentorship of Moi, the “professor of politics.”
They learned the tactics of a deeply flawed political game under the guidance of Cyrus Jirongo of YK92, helping to secure the votes Moi needed to overcome fierce opposition. However, by 1997, tensions emerged between Ruto and Farouk as their strong personalities began to clash.
Eldoret North parliamentary seat
In 1997, Ruto’s ambition led him to contest for the Eldoret North parliamentary seat, directly challenging Farouk’s local mentor who had been instrumental in Farouk’s rise. This move forced Farouk to oppose Ruto, as loyalty was the foundation of his political principles.
In the 1997 elections, the battle between Ruto and Farouk’s godfather was intense, much like a high-stakes title race between ManCity and Arsenal. Representing the new wave of youthful leadership, Ruto emerged victorious, clinching the MP seat. However, the victory came with its own set of challenges, as Ruto soon felt the weight of the pressure.
Ruto recognized that having such a skilled political mobilizer on the opposing side wouldn’t be advantageous for long. Using his persuasive charm, he convinced Farouk to join his camp, emphasizing the potential they had as a new generation of leaders. Farouk, seeing the opportunity for mutual success, pledged his loyalty to Ruto.
William Ruto and Farouk Partnership
Together, Ruto and Farouk formed a partnership as powerful as the iconic duo of Undertaker and Kane. Farouk quickly became Ruto’s trusted right-hand man, acting as his voice and ears on the ground. He passionately defended the young politician at every turn, always advocating for him with unmatched fervor.
Ruto’s steadfast loyalty to Farouk was reciprocated by helping him secure a nomination to the Wareng County Council, where he served as a Councillor from 1997 to 2003. With their roles solidified, the two friends were now thriving—Ruto as an MP and Farouk as a respected councillor.
Unfortunately, Farouk’s tenure came to an end in 2003 with the fall of the KANU regime. However, his unwavering loyalty left a lasting impression on Ruto, who soon brought him closer by appointing him as his Personal Aide. Ruto understood that in the unpredictable world of politics, many friends come and go, but Farouk would always remain by his side.
By the time ODM was being formed in 2006, Farouk had already become Ruto’s trusted right-hand man, supporting his shift towards national politics with Ruto announcing his presidential ambitions. Farouk took on the crucial role of organizing events and managing logistics on the ground in Eldoret, ensuring everything ran smoothly.
Farouk Kibet Position in Government
Farouk also played a key role in identifying and cultivating relationships with local leaders who could support Ruto’s presidential aspirations. He recognized rising stars like Oscar Sudi, Echesa, and Murkomen—young and ambitious figures—and helped shape them into future loyal allies of Ruto’s political camp.
These individuals, once mentored by Farouk, have since become powerful figures in their own right, contributing to Ruto’s success. Sudi has served as an MP for several years, Echesa held a Cabinet Secretary position, and Murkomen is currently the Cabinet Secretary for Transport, now all playing pivotal roles within the government they helped shape.
However, Farouk’s deep involvement in mobilizing support during the contentious 2007 elections put him in a difficult position. When William Ruto was indicted by the ICC for his role in the post-election violence, Farouk’s name surfaced. Witnesses testified that he was Ruto’s key mobilizer in Eldoret during that period.
Fortunately, the International Court cleared both Farouk and Ruto after key witnesses mysteriously vanished. However, trouble continued to trail them, as they were constantly scrutinized, with the ever-watchful eye of the notorious whistleblower, @kabetes, never far behind.
Fortunately, the International Court cleared both Farouk and Ruto after key witnesses mysteriously vanished. However, trouble continued to trail them, as they were constantly scrutinized, with the ever-watchful eye of the notorious whistleblower, @kabetes, never far behind.
It was also revealed that Farouk Kibet played a key role in the NYS scandal, with both Anne Waiguru and Farouk himself confirming that he was the one Ruto relied on for the controversial dealings. Farouk stated that the funds in question were meant for a Harambee, further complicating the situation.
Farouk Kibet on NYS scandal
It was also revealed that Farouk Kibet played a key role in the NYS scandal, with both Anne Waiguru and Farouk himself confirming that he was the one Ruto relied on for the controversial dealings. Farouk stated that the funds in question were meant for a Harambee, further complicating the situation.
Ruto, known for his involvement in Harambees, faced no repercussions despite the scandal, largely due to his close ties with the Deputy President. This left many Kenyans feeling powerless, with online calls for his arrest growing louder. Despite the protests from the public and groups like KOX, no action was taken.
Their bond is so strong that Farouk is the sole person who can grant access to Ruto, a situation that several elected leaders have criticized, even labeling him a dictator. Despite this, Ruto has consistently defended Farouk, praising him as a reliable right-hand man who handles tasks efficiently.
@kabetes This dynamic became evident during the elections when Farouk instructed Millicent Omanga to twerk to energize the crowd, while also halting other leaders from dancing with Ruto. It was clear that when Farouk spoke, his word was final, and his authority went unquestioned.
A strictness that made Ruto the president b/c Kibet was the official planner of his campaign as confirmed by his men
They followed his command b/c he was always on the ground & if you attended a UDA rally, u must have seen him in his element giving leaders instructions…..(Use different words)
@kabetes So, whenever you hear Farouk speak, understand where his loyalty stands. If you attempt to challenge him, you may end up facing the same fate as Echesa.
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