The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Farouk Kibet, a close aide to President William Ruto, has claimed that the Kenyan activists recently deported from Tanzania are too intimidated to take on Ruto in the 2027 presidential race.
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While speaking in South Mugirango on Thursday, May 22, 2025, Farouk accused the activists of stirring up trouble abroad because they lack the courage to challenge the president on home turf.
“These people are exporting chaos to Tanzania because they’re too scared to face Ruto in an election,” he said, adding that they should be imprisoned rather than allowed to freely cause regional unrest.
“Wanaenda kule na tabia mbaya, na sisi tunataka kuheshimu majirani. Hao watu wa bad manners wafungwe ama wasifungwe?” he posed to the crowd, implying their actions undermine Kenya’s relationship with its neighbours.
Farouk emphasized Kenya’s desire for regional peace and cooperation within the East African Community, urging political actors to campaign locally instead of causing cross-border disruptions.
“Why not come here to South Mugirango and share your agenda? We value peace with our neighbours,” he said.
His remarks came after several Kenyan and Ugandan activists were detained and deported by Tanzanian authorities. The group had travelled to Dar es Salaam to attend the treason trial of Tanzanian opposition figure Tundu Lissu.
Among those deported were former Justice Minister Martha Karua, ex-Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, activists Hanifa Adan, Hussein Khalid, LSK Council member Gloria Kimani, and Pan-African Progressive Leaders Solidarity Network member Lynn Ngugi. Boniface Mwangi, another vocal activist, was deported on May 22 and left in Ukunda, Kwale County.
The incident has sparked criticism from human rights groups and political commentators, while Farouk maintains the activists are engaging in disruptive behaviour rather than presenting viable political alternatives.
