Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused Farouk Kibet, the President’s personal assistant, of exerting disproportionate influence over the government, making it impossible for State officials to perform their duties effectively.
In a tell-all interview on KTN Monday night, Gachagua further revealed that Kibet, along with Dennis Itumbi, Head of Presidential Special Projects, has caused discord and frustration within the administration, undermining the functioning of the government.
The former DP suggested that Kibet, in particular, was calling the shots in the corridors of power, operating in cahoots with the Head of State.
“Farouk Kibet is not a small person. Ministers tremble in his presence. He wanted to run my office, and that is when we differed,” Mr. Gachagua said. “He wanted to turn my office into a corruption den, and I told him off. The government of [President] Ruto is run by Dennis Itumbi and Farouk. They work in cahoots with the President.”
Mr Gachagua went on to deny claims that he had demanded Sh10 billion to market the government’s agenda, calling the accusation baseless. Instead, he alleged that Dr Ruto had offered him Sh2 billion – through a senior government official – in exchange for his signature on crucial documents, threatening impeachment if he refused to comply.
The former DP claimed that the Sh10 billion allegation was intended to portray him as a selfish man.
“I did not blackmail him and if I did, it would have been charge number one in my impeachment motion because he is the one who crafted it assisted by NIS,” he said.
Mr Gachagua further claimed that he was in possession of secret recordings of the financial offer, labelling Dr Ruto a “liar” and a master of doublespeak. He added that he would release the recordings once the official, who is nearing retirement, leaves office.
“I will release the information so that people know who, between me and the President, is lying,” he said.
Mr Gachagua claimed the senior officer followed him to Parliament during his impeachment motion, offering a “retirement package” which he rejected. The offer was repeated at the Senate, but he declined again.
The President then allegedly requested a meeting at State House, which Mr Gachagua turned down. The two, along with the emissary, later met at a safe house run by the NIS, where the same offer was made, and again rejected.
Neither the President nor Farouk Kibet has commented on the matter.
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