The possible entry of President William Ruto’s aide Farouk Kibet into the Turbo parliamentary race has stirred political excitement in the constituency and across Uasin Gishu county.
For the past three years, Kibet has quietly built a strong grassroots presence through development activities and empowerment programmes targeting young people and women.
The efforts have thrust him into the centre of Uasin Gishu politics. In Turbo, his home constituency, Kibet has not openly declared his intention to seek the MP seat.
However, his growing grassroots activities have sparked calls for him to enter the race.
The seat is currently held by Janet Sitienei, who is serving her second term and is expected to seek a third term in next year’s election.
Kibet has been vocal on education, youth and women’s empowerment, healthcare, sports development, cohesion, peace and unity, as well as religious harmony.
“I believe leadership is not just about positions and political power. It’s also about looking at the well-being of our people through a wholesome approach, dealing with issues that affect their lives,” Kibet said.
From humble beginnings in the hills of Chepsaita, Kibet rose through the ranks to become a community leader, a nominated councillor and later a close associate of Ruto, who previously served as MP for the larger Eldoret North constituency before it was split to create Turbo and Soy constituencies.
Despite serving as Ruto’s aide, Kibet has maintained a low-key approach among residents of Turbo and other parts of the country, where he has actively mobilised leaders and Kenyans through empowerment activities.
Unlike previous election cycles, few aspirants have openly declared interest in the Turbo seat, with some saying they are waiting to see what Kibet does.
One aspirant told the Star he would rather wait, arguing that Kibet’s entry would significantly raise the stakes.
“Farouk has immense capacity to mobilise friends and resources, as he has done for the last three years.For some of us, it will be hard to match his capacity,” the aspirant said.
Popularly known as Farouk, Kibet is also identified with his rallying call, “Turbo Kwanza, Mambo Baadaye” — a message that places residents’ needs ahead of politics.
“It’s Turbo and its people first, not me seeking leadership just for the sake of it,” he said.
Sitienei, however, remains a formidable grassroots politician, known for her humility and simplicity.
She often arrives at events and public meetings unnoticed, taking a seat among ordinary residents.
Supporters say the approach has made her a difficult politician to challenge. Resident Joseph Tanui said Sitienei has cultivated sympathy and affection among residents and, over time, proved to be a hard nut to crack.
She first won the seat as an independent candidate before retaining it on a UDA ticket.
Other names being mentioned include Eliel Cheruiyot and Willy Korir, although they are yet to openly enter the race.
But it is Kibet’s extensive grassroots activities that could become a major factor in the contest.
His flagship initiative is the Chepsaita Cross Country race, which attracts thousands of runners from around the world. Kibet has used the event to mobilise resources for education scholarships and other projects, including healthcare and water provision.
Under the theme “Running for Education”, Kibet, who is the race’s patron, has supported education scholarships for more than 5,000 learners, promoted athletics and financed the expansion of school facilities in the area.
His development activities have increasingly made him a political force in Uasin Gishu.
He has also spoken out on security, alcohol and drug abuse, which he says have ruined the lives of many residents, particularly young people.
Beyond Turbo, Kibet is also expected to play a role in shaping the race for the Uasin Gishu governorship.
He has maintained cordial relations with other leaders in the region, including Governor Jonathan Bii.
For now, Kibet remains officially outside the Turbo parliamentary race. But his growing grassroots influence has already changed the political conversation, leaving aspirants and residents watching closely for his next move.
INSTANT ANALYSIS
Farouk Kibet’s possible entry into the Turbo parliamentary race could dramatically reshape the contest. His extensive grassroots mobilisation, empowerment programmes and proximity to President William Ruto give him significant political visibility and resources. However, incumbent Janet Sitienei’s established grassroots network, humility and two-term record make her a formidable opponent. The reluctance of other aspirants to declare their bids suggests Kibet’s anticipated entry is already influencing political calculations in Turbo.
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