President William Ruto's aide, Farouk Kibet, on June 5, 2025. /SCREENGRAB
President William Ruto’s close aide, Farouk Kibet, has sparked political debate after publicly suggesting that Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka should be considered for a senior national position in government.
Kibet made the remarks in Kalonzo’s Kitui stronghold as succession politics ahead of the 2027 general election intensify and Kalonzo increasingly emerges as a key player in the presidential race.
Speaking during an empowerment event in Kitui county on Thursday, June 5, Farouk urged Kalonzo to “start thinking seriously” about his political future, hinting that powerful figures could soon propose a prominent government role for the former Vice President.
“Kalonzo aanze kufikiria… atafutiwe nafasi kubwa katika Kenya,” said Farouk, loosely translated as: “Kalonzo should start thinking… a big role should be found for him in Kenya.”
The remarks, delivered in a mix of Kiswahili and English, were part of a spirited speech in which Farouk criticised unnamed political opponents who, he claimed, had shown Kalonzo disrespect and undermined efforts to foster political unity.
While Farouk did not specify the role he envisioned for Kalonzo, his comments appeared to align with a growing narrative portraying the Wiper leader as central to Kenya’s future political realignments.
In a fiery tone, Farouk also attacked critics he accused of insulting Members of Parliament by calling them “fools” and pretending to be “experts” in determining the opposition’s 2027 presidential candidate.
He appeared to be referencing a recent report that both former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Kalonzo had allegedly enlisted experts to help decide the most viable opposition ticket to challenge President Ruto.
Farouk further claimed that during Kalonzo’s recent political retreats in Ukambani—including meetings in Tseikuru—some leaders had been “given lunch” but later misrepresented the discussions, pushing a misleading narrative.
“They were told to call President Ruto because they had eaten,” Kibet said, seemingly mocking opposition leaders who had met Kalonzo but later allegedly turned against him.
Although known for operating behind the scenes, Kibet’s latest remarks suggest the Kenya Kwanza inner circle is closely monitoring Kalonzo’s moves—and potentially considering him for collaboration ahead of the 2027 elections.
Political analysts have increasingly speculated that the ruling coalition might be open to forming an alliance with Kalonzo, should he part ways with fellow opposition leaders such as Rigathi Gachagua, Fred Matiang’i, Eugene Wamalwa, and Martha Karua.
As the 2027 election approaches, Kalonzo is under growing pressure to consolidate the Ukambani voting bloc while positioning himself as the most viable challenger to President Ruto.
Whether Farouk's comments were a trial balloon or an unofficial signal remains unclear, but they reflect shifting political dynamics in a country already gearing up for another high-stakes general election.
