How Farouk Kibet is quietly building ground support for Ruto’s 2027 re-election

Senate speaker Amason Kingi and Farouk Kibet are joined by other leaders in a dance during an empowerment programme in Kibwezi West in May, 2025. /HANDOUT

President William Ruto’s longtime aide and political strategist, Farouk Kibet, has taken a leading role in mobilising nationwide backing for the president’s re-election campaign ahead of 2027.

Once known for his quiet influence behind the scenes, Kibet is now actively spearheading efforts to rally support for Ruto’s bid for a second term, while promoting unity.

As part of his strategy, he has launched a series of weekly grassroots engagements, touring counties with a group of youthful Kenya Kwanza politicians.

This initiative combines political mobilisation with community support and focuses on empowering women, persons with disabilities, and youth groups through economic programmes.

Although Kibet has not indicated any intention to run for elective office, he appears determined to ensure that Ruto serves a second term.

Beyond economic empowerment, which has benefited thousands, he has also been instrumental in supporting the construction and renovation of churches, positioning the administration as a friend of faith-based institutions.

Ruto has reiterated his commitment to building churches, describing it as part of his Christian duty and a key element of his development agenda.

“Building is part of me. Nimejenga madarasa tangu niwe mjumbe... Katika hiyo harakati ya kujenga pia kanisa la Mungu tutajenga. I’m sure that is the will of God,” Ruto said.

During these meetings, Farouk is also promoting enrolment in the new health insurance scheme — the Social Health Authority (SHA).

He has urged residents not to be misled by politicians, noting that the SHA is effective and encouraging them to register for their own benefit.

“Sisi tunaamini sana kwa empowerment. Wale wapinzani wetu wanapenda porojo na matusi pekee,” he said at an event in Kimilili, Bungoma County, on June 7.

(We believe alot in empowerment. Our opponents are only full of propaganda and insults)

“Tukikuja kusaidia wamama kuna makosa? Tukikuja kusaidia vijana, kuna makosa?” he asked.

(If we come here to support women and youth, is that a mistake?)

On several occasions, Farouk has been accompanied by key government figures, including Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, underscoring the importance of the tours.

National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah and his Senate counterpart Aaron Cheruiyot have also frequently joined the team.

Counties such as Makueni, Kisii, Kitui, Narok, Kakamega, and Uasin Gishu have hosted the group, with more visits expected in the coming weeks, according to Kibet.

Throughout the rallies, his message has remained consistent: national unity, support for Ruto’s development agenda, and backing the government’s long-term transformation.

“We want to tell those whose only focus is tribalism that there is no room for that in this country,” he said.

At the same time, the platform has been used to counter opposition leaders critical of Ruto’s administration, turning the empowerment events into both a unifying and politically strategic campaign.

Several opposition leaders have formed a coalition determined to block President Ruto from securing a second term in 2027.

Led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, they aim to consolidate their support bases and present a united front against Ruto’s administration.

Their strategy focuses on addressing concerns over governance, economic challenges, and national unity, seeking to offer a compelling alternative to the current government.

The group has been traversing the country popularising their "one term" slogan as they chide and fault Ruto and his allies over a myriad of policies which they say are unpopular with the masses.

Farouk Kibet has a word with Deputy President Kithure Kindiki during an event in Kisii. /HANDOUT

Speaking on Sunday in Turbo, Farouk criticised Gachagua over his ‘cousins’ remark, describing it as an attempt to divide Kenyans along ethnic lines.

“He has now started calling other communities cousins. Gachagua is someone who should not be paid attention. And we are asking the churches not to give room to such people who were removed from office for not helping President Ruto while in office,” he said.

"Sisi ni macousin. Ukweli ama uongo? Hi cousins! Hi cousins! Hi cousins! Cousins wapendane wasipendane? Cousins watafute serikali pamoja wasitafute?" Gachagua said.

(We are cousins, aren't we? Hallo cousins. Should cousins not love each other? Shouldn't they form government together?) 

In response, Kibet dismissed the former Deputy President, urging Kenyans to disregard him.

Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka, who hosted the leaders in Kimilili, said, “The team that you are seeing here is now the face of Kenya... we are about to start and I will be the coordinator here.”

These empowerment initiatives have not been without criticism.

Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni recently questioned the source of funding behind the leaders’ programmes.

“They have now come with a new style. They have come out of churches not empowerment,” he said.