Activist asks Ruto to clarify Dennis Itumbi, Farouk Kibet's roles in govt

A human rights advocacy group is urging President William Ruto to clarify the roles of Dennis Itumbi and Farouk Kibet, suggesting that their actions have damaged the reputation of the presidency.

This call comes after comments from former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who alleged that the government is essentially being run by Kibet, the President’s long-time personal assistant, and Itumbi, who heads Presidential Special Projects and the Creative Economy.

David Koros, the President of the Institute of Human Rights (IHR), stressed that it is important for the President to publicly address the roles of these two individuals, whose past associations are considered troubling.

“The two individuals have a disturbing past, having been linked to the 2007/2008 post-election violence. It is concerning that they are key players in the current administration. The President owes Kenyans an explanation of their roles in government,” Koros stated.

Itumbi was suspected of being involved in hacking the International Criminal Court (ICC) website and allegedly leaking a list of witnesses.

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He described himself as an investigative journalist and was arrested on March 22, 2012, while the ICC pursued suspects related to the 2007-2008 post-election violence.

Itumbi successfully challenged his arrest in court and was awarded Sh2 million in compensation for unlawful confinement.

Kibet was also mentioned by a witness during Ruto’s ICC trial, who listed individuals present at a political meeting at Ruto's home in Sugoi in Eldoret.

 The witness, who was under protective measures, testified in camera after naming Kibet.

In a statement released from his base in Geneva, Switzerland, Koros emphasized the need for the President to clarify the roles of Itumbi and Kibet due to their connections to issues surrounding the Kenyan case at the ICC.

“With the unfolding political events in Kenya, where critics of the President have either been abducted or forced to disappear, it is crucial for the President to outline the roles of these two individuals at State House,” Koros further asserted.

The human rights advocate highlighted that if the two could frustrate the Deputy President, who is the second-in-command of the country, their roles must be clearly defined.

“The Deputy President is an elected official and the most powerful individual in government. If he was frustrated by Itumbi and Kibet, it is vital for the President to clarify their positions,” Koros said.

Koros also questioned the integrity of Itumbi and Kibet, suggesting their government appointments were not based on merit but rather as a reward for their past political roles.

 He criticized the court's decision to compensate Itumbi, stating he believes the judgment was politically motivated. “How many Kenyans have been unlawfully detained and have not received compensation?” he posed.

In a recent interview with KTN, Gachagua described the two as controlling the government and as powerful individuals.

“Farouk Kibet is not a minor player. He is a co-president in this country. Farouk Kibet runs the government. Everyone reports to him—including the Inspector General of Police, the Head of Public Service, and even Cabinet Secretaries. William Ruto gives instructions to ministers through him, and they tremble at the mere sight of him,” Gachagua stated.

The former Deputy President further accused Kibet of abusing his position for personal gain, claiming he collected bribes while pretending to represent Gachagua.

 “People were spreading rumors that Kibet was taking money on my behalf, and when I confronted him, he told me he had to make money and claimed he had powerful connections—including someone he referred to as the ‘Metaphor Mumbi’.”

Gachagua also criticized Itumbi, labelling him the President’s chief propagandist and asserting that Itumbi plays a significant role in influencing presidential messaging and decision-making.

 “Dennis Itumbi is not a minor figure. This government is being run by Itumbi and Kibet. Itumbi drafts the statements issued by ministers—even those relating to violence. If the President disapproves of a discussion’s direction, Itumbi has the authority to enter his office and shut the meeting down,” he concluded.