The battle for the Turbo parliamentary seat in President William Ruto’s backyard has intensified after his Personal Assistant, Farouk Kibet, declared interest in the seat, setting the stage for a bruising contest for the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket against incumbent Janet Sitienei.
Farouk has in recent months stepped up his political activities in the constituency, fuelling speculation that he would enter the race. He has now confirmed his intentions, saying his years of working behind the scenes had prepared him to serve in an elective position.
“It’s time I step forward and serve the people directly, having helped build leadership from behind the scenes,” he said.
The announcement is likely to deepen the rivalry between Farouk and Sitienei, who have clashed over development projects in Turbo. Farouk has been traversing the constituency launching development initiatives, moves that have not gone down well with the MP, who has accused him of undermining elected leaders.
The bad blood was recently on display when Farouk led leaders, including National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, in a fundraiser for women’s groups in the constituency. Although Sitienei sent a personal donation of Sh100,000, she skipped the event held in Kamagut, near President Ruto’s Sugoi home.
Farouk criticised her absence, accusing her of disrespecting Turbo residents and failing to support the President’s development agenda.
“You have the guts to skip an event being held in your constituency where the President comes from? We will not accept that,” Farouk said in Kalenjin.
He urged UDA leaders in the Rift Valley to support President Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza development agenda.
However, Sitienei hit back, calling for respect among elected leaders and warning against what she termed interference in her mandate.
“There should be respect across the board. People should not mistake my humility for weakness. Kila mtu afanye kazi yake,” she said.
Sitienei, who is serving her second term, said she would not be intimidated, noting that she was elected by more than 50,000 voters.
“We will go for politics when the right time comes but for now, let’s focus on serving our people,” she said. The MP has also accused Farouk of commissioning and claiming credit for school projects implemented by the Ministry of Education through her office.
Turbo was hived off from the former Eldoret North constituency, which President Ruto represented for more than two decades.
Sitienei was elected as an independent candidate in 2017 before retaining the seat in 2022 on a UDA ticket, defeating four opponents in the party primaries.
Farouk’s entry is expected to unsettle political heavyweights in Uasin Gishu who were already plotting to unseat Sitienei. His bid could also intensify competition for influence within the President’s inner circle and turn Turbo into a key political battleground ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The contest will be watched because of Turbo’s importance to the President and its place within his political base. Farouk’s proximity to State House could give the race an added dimension, while Sitienei will defend her record and grassroots support.
