President William Ruto is tied to a group of leaders who have stood by him during critical moments of his political life, and now they appear untouchable in his administration.
These individuals believed in his dream even when he was under fierce pressure from his former political Jubilee Party, where he was deputy party leader and deputy president.
And the leaders not only put their faith in him, but also sacrificed greatly, including some losing top positions under the Jubilee regime, to ensure he made it to State House. This is why they hold a special place in his heart.
Kimani Ichung’wah, the Majority Leader in the National Assembly, has been one of President Ruto’s most loyal supporters.
He openly defended Ruto during political turmoil within Jubilee. He has proven to be a reliable and steadfast leader who knows how to champion the government’s agenda in Parliament.
Ichung’wah serves as a bridge between the President and Kenya Kwanza MPs, giving him a unique role in government decision-making.
National Assembly Leader of Majority Kimani Ichung'wa, during an interdenominational church service at Nandi Hills Stadium in Nandi County on May 11, 2025.
Photo credit: Jared Nyataya | Nation Media Group
Ichung’wah has been a steadfast ally of President Ruto. Before ascending to the Majority Leader position, Ichung’wah served as the Chair of the Budget and Appropriations Committee.
Ichung’wah's loyalty to President Ruto was particularly evident during the tumultuous periods within the Jubilee Party.
He consistently defended Ruto's position, even when faced with internal party challenges. This unwavering support solidified his reputation as a reliable and influential figure in Ruto's political circle.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale is one of the leaders who stuck with Ruto even after losing his position as Majority Leader in Parliament during the Jubilee administration. Duale has shown the courage to stand by his beliefs even under immense pressure.
His loyalty to Ruto, along with his political experience, makes him a close ally. He is among the ministers in Ruto’s government who have headed three ministries within less than three years of Ruto’s leadership. He started with Defence, was moved to Environment, and now heads the Health docket.
His loyalty to President Ruto was tested during the Jubilee administration, where he faced significant political challenges.
Despite these obstacles, Duale remained a staunch supporter of Ruto, demonstrating his commitment to their shared vision. This steadfast loyalty culminated in his appointment to the Cabinet.
Like Duale, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen lost his position as Senate Majority Leader during the Jubilee era for supporting Ruto.
He was among the first politicians to defend Ruto when he faced challenges within the Jubilee government. His eloquence and bravery in Parliament put him at the forefront of defending Ruto’s camp.
Today, as a Cabinet Secretary, he continues to advance the President’s bottom-up economic agenda. Like Duale, he has held three ministries in the Kenya Kwanza government — starting with Transport, then Sports, and now heading the powerful Interior ministry.
Murkomen's relationship with President Ruto dates back to the International Criminal Court (ICC) proceedings. As Ruto's legal advisor, Murkomen played a crucial role in navigating the complex legal challenges he faced.
This professional relationship evolved into a strong political alliance, with Murkomen becoming one of Ruto's most trusted allies. His appointment to the Cabinet further solidified his position as a key player in Ruto's political strategy.
Deputy President Prof Kithure Kindiki has also remained close to Ruto since serving as his lawyer in the ICC case. For supporting Ruto, he was stripped of his Deputy Speaker position in the Senate under Jubilee.
After Ruto won the presidency, he appointed Kindiki as the Interior Cabinet Secretary. Kindiki was one of Ruto’s close advisors during the 2022 election campaigns.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki addressing congregants at Riiji Catholic Church in Meru on July 11, 2025.
Photo credit: DPPS
After Ruto fell out with his then running mate, Rigathi Gachagua, who was impeached as Deputy President, he rewarded Kindiki with the position. Kindiki's loyalty to President Ruto was evident during the formation of the Jubilee coalition.
He played a pivotal role in drafting the TNA- URP coalition agreement, showcasing his diplomatic skills and commitment to Ruto's leadership.
His appointment as the Interior Cabinet Secretary was a testament to the trust Ruto placed in him, recognizing his ability to manage the country's internal affairs with a balanced and inclusive approach.
Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome was initially appointed by Ruto as the Water CS. She is one of the few women who dared to stand with Ruto during politically difficult times.
Her unwavering stance, especially when she was the Kandara MP, placed her among the politicians who helped Ruto grow politically and boost his popularity among women and the Mt Kenya region at large.
Wahome's support for President Ruto was evident during the formation of the Jubilee coalition. She was one of the few women who dared to stand with Ruto, demonstrating her courage and commitment to their shared vision.
Her appointment as Cabinet Secretary was a recognition of her expertise and her unwavering support for Ruto's leadership.
Transport Cabinet Secretary Davies Chirchir is a technocrat who contributed significantly to Ruto’s election strategies. His expertise in technology and election management earned him the reputation of being the “strategic expert” on Ruto’s team.
Cabinet Secretary nominee Davies Chirchir.
Photo credit: File
His loyalty and meticulous performance have earned him an important place in Ruto’s heart and administration. He was first appointed to the Energy and Petroleum ministry before being moved to Transport.
Chirchir's loyalty to President Ruto was evident during the formation of the Jubilee coalition. He played a crucial role in the coalition's strategies, leveraging his technical expertise to influence policy decisions.
Dennis Itumbi’s closeness with President Ruto began during his ICC case and continued through the Jubilee government. Itumbi lost his job as State House Director of Digital Communications but stuck with Ruto throughout the campaign period.
Itumbi, currently the Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy Coordination, is a renowned digital strategist and political analyst.
Before his current role, Itumbi was involved in various political campaigns, where he utilized digital platforms to mobilise support and disseminate information. His innovative approach to political communication made him a key figure in Ruto's campaign strategies.
Dennis Itumbi in a Nairobi court on July 5, 2019, over a fake letter that claimed there was a plot to kill Deputy President William Ruto.
Photo credit: Dennis Onsongo | Nation Media Group
“These leaders are not just political allies of President William Ruto, but individuals who earned his trust. They risked their political careers to support him, and now, he relies on them to implement his government’s agenda. Their place in his heart is not just about political positions, but a result of a shared journey of commitment and unwavering loyalty,” opines political analyst Dr Isaac Gichuki.
Felix Kipatarus Koskei, Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, stands out as one of President William Ruto’s most trusted and influential allies.
Their relationship, rooted in shared academic backgrounds and a mutual commitment to public service, has evolved into a formidable political partnership.
His tenure as Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries from 2013 to 2015 was marked by significant initiatives, such as the Galana Kulalu irrigation project, although his term was cut short due to corruption allegations.
Head of Public Service Felix Koske at a past event.
Photo credit: Jared Nyataya/ Nation Media Group
He was later acquitted in 2018. In October 2022, President Ruto appointed Koskei as Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, succeeding Joseph Kinyua.
This role positioned Koskei at the heart of the executive, overseeing the coordination of government operations and serving as a vital link between the President and the public service, ensuring that operations align with the President's agenda.
Farouk Kibet stands as one of the most influential figures in President William Ruto’s inner circle, often described as the President’s “right-hand man” and a key architect of his political success.
Despite maintaining a low public profile, Kibet's role in Ruto's ascent to power and his continued influence in the administration are undeniable. Kibet's association with Ruto dates back to 1997, when Ruto was vying for the Eldoret North parliamentary seat.
Initially, Kibet supported Ruto's opponent, Reuben Chesire. However, recognising Ruto's potential, Kibet switched allegiance and offered his support. Ruto welcomed him, and they formed a pact to work together, a commitment Kibet has honored ever since.
In the Kenya Kwanza administration, Kibet holds significant sway. He is known for his strict, loyal, and organized nature, qualities that have made him a central figure in the Kenya Kwanza government.
Farouk Kibet's unwavering loyalty, organizational prowess, and deep involvement in both political and community affairs underscore his pivotal role in President Ruto's political journey.
