At a recent public event, a moment caught the attention of many Kenyans when Farouk Kibet forcefully removed John Mbadi from the red carpet.
It wasn’t done quietly or with hesitation. Farouk, who is known to be a close aide to President William Ruto, made a firm move that left no question about his intentions, Mbadi wasn’t welcome, and Farouk made sure he knew it.
There were no heated words or drawn-out explanations. Just one direct action, and Mbadi found himself off the main stage area.
The reaction to this incident has been mixed, and it’s easy to understand why. In a country where political power is often shown in subtle ways, this moment stood out.
It was public, it was bold, and it seemed to say more about Farouk’s place in the current administration than any speech could.
He didn’t need a microphone or a title. He just acted, and others moved. For many people watching, it felt like a reminder of how things work behind the scenes.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua once referred to Farouk as a “co-president,” a statement that didn’t go unnoticed. While some brushed it off as a joke or a casual remark, others took it more seriously.
When someone outside of the official government structure behaves the way Farouk did, it raises questions about who really holds power. His decision to push Mbadi off the carpet might seem small, but it paints a bigger picture of influence and control.
What makes the incident more interesting is that Mbadi wasn’t causing any disturbance. He appeared to be part of the event like everyone else. Yet, Farouk decided that Mbadi’s presence on the red carpet wasn’t acceptable.
There was no negotiation. Just a physical removal. That kind of confidence or arrogance, depending on how you see it doesn’t come from nowhere. It suggests that Farouk feels secure in his role, even without holding any official title.
Different people will interpret this in different ways. Some will see Farouk as a strong and decisive figure, someone who doesn’t waste time or tiptoe around issues.
Others may find his behavior inappropriate, even disrespectful, especially at a formal event where decorum is expected. But whatever side you’re on, it’s clear that Farouk is not just another face in the background.
The label “co-president” may have sounded like an offhand comment when Gachagua said it, but moments like this make you wonder if there’s more truth in it than people first thought.
Farouk acts like someone with power, and he doesn’t shy away from using it. In a political environment where alliances and behind-the-scenes influence matter, Farouk’s actions show that sometimes real power isn’t about titles it’s about who actually moves people, literally and figuratively.
