As debate continues to rage over the shadowy figures and power brokers within government, an undated video has emerged showing President William Ruto’s Personal Assistant, Farouk Kibet, in a controversial moment involving Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi.

In the video, Farouk is authoritatively directing Finance CS Mbadi and his entourage away from a red carpet shortly after his arrival, presumably at a presidential event.

He then guides him to the side and towards a seating area.

The viral video emerged and has triggered mixed reactions online, with some expressing amazement at Farouk’s perceived authority, while others argue the situation has been blown out of proportion.

One user, @michaelouma, remarked that the move was “unnecessary, unfortunate,” urging that the red carpet be left to “the owners.” 

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Another, @patric_githaiga, joked that “Huyo ni Baba's finest economist anaondolewa mbio mbio.” A more critical voice, @amburdancer, questioned the scene, asking, “Hii kusukumiana yote ni ya nini surely?”

However, not everyone viewed the incident as hostile. 

@agwanda_aloo noted that Mbadi was simply crossing over to his seat, which was on the other side, adding that Farouk was merely pointing him in the right direction. 

This view was echoed by @kenyanthoughts, who stated, “You’re seeing your own things. Mbadi was just being shown where to go sit. I think Ruto was behind him.”

Farouk has been under intense public scrutiny in recent days following damning revelations made by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who alleged that

Kibet holds immense power in the Ruto-led administration.

Gachagua painted a picture of unelected individuals with unfettered access to the President, claiming that Farouk acts as a gatekeeper and exerts significant influence over government operations. 

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According to him, some Cabinet Secretaries even quake at the sight of the President’s PA.

He further alleged that Kibet attempted to take over the management of his office and was demanding money from leaders seeking appointments with the Deputy President.

“I went and told Ruto that his personal assistant can’t give me instructions,” Gachagua said. 

“I told him if he wanted to give me instructions, he should do it himself, and I would follow them to the letter. I told him that Farouk was taking advantage of his position to collect money from people in exchange for appointments,” he added.