
In a jaw-dropping exposé, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has shattered the silence surrounding what insiders are now calling a ‘shadow presidency’.
During a live KTN interview on April 7, Gachagua unmasked what he described as the “worst-kept secret” in State House — that Farouk Kibet, President William Ruto’s long-time aide, is not just a personal assistant… he’s running the entire show.
Gachagua didn’t mince words. “Farouk is not just another staffer — he’s the de facto co-president,” he claimed, sending shockwaves through political circles. “Cabinet Secretaries, the Head of Public Service, even the Inspector General of Police — they all report to him.
Ruto passes instructions through Farouk!”This bombshell comes amid escalating tensions between Gachagua and Ruto. Just last week, Ruto publicly scolded his former deputy for bickering with junior officials, including Farouk and digital strategist Dennis Itumbi.

“He keeps whining… even about blogger Itumbi and Farouk,” Ruto said dismissively.But Gachagua isn’t backing down.He accused Farouk of infiltrating and micromanaging the Deputy President’s office — even organizing his meetings without consent.
What triggered Gachagua to push back? Alleged corruption, which he claims he discovered and refused to be part of.“I told the President to his face — I’m elected, and I won’t take orders from your PA,” he declared. “I won’t be used as a rubber stamp for corrupt deals.
Farouk tried to control my diary, my staff, my office — and I said, ‘Enough!’”Even more disturbing, Gachagua revealed that he was allegedly required to seek Farouk’s approval just to meet the President — a claim previously hinted at by MP Ndindi Nyoro.
While Gachagua has now gone public, both President Ruto and Farouk Kibet have remained tight-lipped. Neither has issued a statement denying the explosive allegations
.Farouk, a shadowy yet powerful figure, has been Ruto’s right-hand man since 1997 — but if Gachagua’s claims are true, Kenyans may have never elected the man truly pulling the strings.Stay tuned as this political firestorm unfolds.