Kenyan politics is often shaped not just by the leaders we see on TV but also by the people working behind the scenes.
Nicholas Biwott (1940-2017), who was a close ally of former President Moi, is remembered as a powerful man who pulled the strings without needing the spotlight.
Today, some people think Farouk Kibet might be playing a similar role for President William Ruto. But is Kibet really the new Biwott?
Let’s take a look.
Nicholas Biwott: The Man Behind Moi
Nicholas Biwott, aka Total Man, was one of the most influential figures during President Moi’s 24 years in power. He seved as Energy Minister, MP, and EAC and Comesa Minister and had a say in almost everything the government did.
People believed that no big decision was made without Biwott’s input. His influence was so strong that it was said he could make or break a politician’s career.
But Biwott wasn’t only a political figure. He also had major business interests in areas like real estate and energy, making him one of the wealthiest people in Kenya. Despite his huge influence, Biwott liked to stay out of the public eye. He rarely gave interviews or appeared in the news. Many rumors and accusations followed him, including some linking him to high-profile scandals and assassinations, though he always denied them.
Farouk Kibet: Ruto’s Trusted Ally
Today, Farouk Teigut Kibet is known as President William Ruto’s most trusted advisor. While Ruto is the public face of the government, Kibet operates behind the scenes, having supported Ruto’s rise to power since the early 2000s. His loyalty is evident in his management of political campaigns and party affairs.
Interestingly, Kibet is the the gatekeeper to Ruto. Anyone who wants to meet or influence the president has to go through him.
Though Kibet holds no official title, his influence comes from his close ties to the president. Like Biwott, he stays in the background, quietly managing things while Ruto takes the spotlight.
How Do They Compare?
Power and Influence
As Enrgy Minister for 8 years, Biwott played a key role in shaping government policy during Moi’s reign.
He was deeply involved in important decisions on security and the economy, and many viewed him as a second president because of his considerable influence.
Kibet’s power works differently. He controls access to Ruto and helps maintain political alliances.
But he does not have the same level of control over government policy as Biwott did. Kibet’s focus is on keeping Ruto’s political network strong.
Business and Wealth
Biwott was both a key political figure and a businessman reportedly worth billions.
His extensive business empire includes real estate, aviation, agriculture, manufacturing, oil, banking and insurance, among others.
In contrast, Kibet has a small business profile. While he’s well-connected, there’s no evidence of him being involved in major business ventures like Biwott. His power relies more on loyalty and political strategy than on financial resources.
Public Image
Both Biwott and Kibet have managed to stay mostly out of the public eye despite their influence. Biwott was both feared and respected, known as “Total Man,” and often associated with getting things done, even if it meant bending the rules.
Kibet has a much quieter presence. Politicians fear him due to his influence. But to the public, Kibet doesn’t carry the same weight of intimidation or scandal as Biwott.
Scandals
Biwott’s legacy is marked by serious allegations. He was involved in multiple corruption cases during Moi’s presidency, benefiting from questionable government contracts. The Goldenberg scandal, where he helped the government lose billions through fraudulent gold exports, severely impacted Kenya’s economy. He’s also linked to the suspicious deaths of political opponents and was named a person of interest by Scotland Yard detective John Troon in the investigation into the 1990 murder of Foreign Affairs Minister Robert Ouko.
Kibet faces scrutiny as well. He allegedly received money from a suspect in the NYS Sh 791 million scandal, but the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee ultimately decided not to summon him for questioning. Kibet was also mentioned by ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda for his alleged role in the 2007 post-election violence, including accusations of storming the Eldoret Police Station and tampering with witnesses in the case against Deputy President Ruto. These allegations complicate his public image.
So, is Farouk Kibet the Modern-Day Nicholas Biwott?
While there are similarities between the two politicians, Farouk Kibet’s story is still unfolding.
It is too soon to know if he will have the same lasting impact as Biwott. His future influence will largely depend on how long Ruto remains in power.
By Vivian K.