Saboti MP Caleb Amisi has raised concerns over the rising political prominence of Farouk Kibet, a close aide to President William Ruto, particularly in relation to his frequent appearances as the chief guest at fundraising events across Western Kenya.

In a strongly worded post shared on his X account on Sunday, May 25, 2025, Amisi questioned why Kibet, who holds no official government position, continues to overshadow elected leaders from the region during public functions.

“A private PA without a public portfolio is the chief guest in all Western Region harambees. Leaving our very own Dr Wycliffe Oparanya, Musalia Mudavadi, Moses Wetang’ula and ministers on an international observer mission; the senator and governor as escorts and MPs as eyewitnesses,” Amisi wrote.

The ODM lawmaker attributed Kibet’s prominence at these events to the large sums of money he distributes, raising questions about the sources of these funds and their political implications.

“Ostensibly because he carries more money,” the MP added.

Regional frustration

Amisi used the occasion to lament what he described as the continued marginalisation of Western Kenya, portraying the region as politically powerless and economically neglected.

“This points to the sorry state of the western region as a whole; a disfranchised, desperate, destitute, voiceless and penniless region. This shall come to pass,” he stated.

While acknowledging that residents may accept handouts during these events, the MP insisted that such gestures would not translate into electoral support for those associated with the current government.

“Western is going to chew the money mercilessly but wakati wa kura (when elections come), only black smoke will be seen bellowing towards Sugoi,” he said, referencing Ruto’s home area in Uasin Gishu County.

Political backchannel

Amisi’s remarks come amid renewed scrutiny of Farouk Kibet’s behind-the-scenes influence, particularly his role in forging political alliances with Western leaders ahead of the 2022 General Election.

During an interdenominational prayer service in Bungoma on August 27, 2023, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula recounted how Kibet played a critical role in brokering a pact between Ruto and leaders from Western Kenya.

Wetang’ula revealed that he and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi met Kibet for dinner on four separate occasions before committing to join the Kenya Kwanza coalition.

“Huyu kijana anaitwa Farouk your Excellency tulikula dinner yake mara nne before we met you. Tukisema tukipanga pros and cons…tumehangaika huku 2013, 2017 sasa mambo namna gani…” Wetang’ula told Ruto at the time.

Loosely translated to: “This young man called Farouk, Your Excellency. We had dinner with him four times before we met you. When we were discussing the pros and cons… We’ve struggled here since 2013, and in 2017, now what is the situation?”

“We are having the last laugh. He who laughs last laughs the best, laughs the longest,” he added.