The political dynamics within President William Ruto’s administration have become the subject of heated debate. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s recent low profile and absence from significant state functions have fueled speculation about possible tensions at the top. Public discussions intensified when he missed the New Year celebrations hosted by the President at the Kisii State Lodge.
Amid this, Tigania East MP Mpuru Aburi’s son, Kipembe Mpuru, has added a new dimension to the ongoing debate. Kipembe alleges that Kindiki’s silence stems from discomfort with Farouk Kibet, President Ruto’s personal assistant, who is known to wield considerable influence.
Farouk Kibet’s authority within Ruto’s administration is no secret. It is widely recognized in the public domain that Farouk is more than a personal assistant. He is a trusted confidant and a key figure in the President’s inner circle. His role extends to controlling access to the President, making critical decisions, and influencing state operations. Reports suggest that Farouk’s influence surpasses that of most senior officials, with only the President ranking above him. This has led to allegations of strained relations between Farouk and other key figures in the administration. Kipembe claims that Kindiki, despite his status as Deputy President, feels undermined by Farouk’s assertive role, which includes allegedly issuing directives that Kindiki is expected to follow without question.
Kindiki’s absence from the Kisii State Lodge New Year festivities has fueled theories of a possible fallout. Kipembe Mpuru, a neighbor to Kindiki, insists that the Deputy President is protesting what he describes as constant harassment and bullying from Farouk Kibet. This situation mirrors past concerns raised by Rigathi Gachagua during his tenure as Deputy President. Gachagua publicly complained of being sidelined and disrespected by Farouk, a situation that reportedly strained his working relationship with President Ruto.https://x.com/RodgersKipembe/status/1874313884062147022?t=cf8WLDfvcAinmOGBTa0hyA&s=19
Social media has been abuzz with discussions about Kindiki’s absence, with many Kenyans drawing parallels between his experience and that of his predecessor. While some dismiss Kipembe’s claims as mere speculation, others see them as a credible explanation for the Deputy President’s silence.
If these allegations are accurate, they could signal deeper issues within the Ruto administration. A Deputy President feeling undermined by an unelected official could lead to inefficiencies and public mistrust. Furthermore, this reflects concerns about the concentration of power in a few individuals, which has been a recurring issue in Kenyan politics.
By Newsmedia