NAIROBI, Kenya Jan 30 – President William Ruto’s close aide Farouk Kibet has declared his hopes that one day Kenya will be led by a Muslim president, arguing that such a moment would help the country finally move away from tribal politics.
Speaking during a fundraising event in Malava, Kakamega County for the construction of Mugai Madrasah and Islamic Centre in Shirugi-Mugai, Kibet said leadership in Kenya should be based on unity and citizenship, not tribe or religion.
He told the crowd that Kenyans have already shown they can vote beyond ethnic lines and should do the same in the future.
“I pray that one day a Muslim will become President of Kenya and lead without tribalism,” Kibet said. “A Muslim is also a Kenyan and deserves the same chance to lead.”
Kibet pointed to the election of a Christian leader in the area as proof that voters can choose leaders without focusing on tribe.
He asked residents whether they were ready to completely reject tribal politics, saying it has held the country back for decades.
The Ruto aide also cited recent government reforms aimed at ending discrimination against Muslims seeking national identification documents.
He said President Ruto had ordered the removal of unnecessary vetting processes that had made it difficult for Muslims, especially in Northern Kenya, to access IDs.
“For a long time, Muslims were treated differently when applying for identification,” Kibet said. “That barrier has now been removed. Muslims can walk freely as equal Kenyans.”
He described the changes as a form of freedom and recognition for communities that had felt excluded from full citizenship.
According to Kibet, access to identification documents is key to equal opportunities, including education, jobs and political participation.
Kibet dismissed critics who oppose Muslim leadership, saying no group should be judged or dismissed because of their religion.
He urged Kenyans to see themselves first as citizens of one nation.
“Do we want to be tribes, or do we want to be Kenyans?” he asked the crowd, prompting a show of hands from those who said they want unity.
