The Farouk Kibet Mike Sonko rally clash in West Kabras has left political temperatures boiling in Western Kenya after President Ruto’s top aide stormed the former Nairobi governor’s campaign event. On February 22, 2026, Farouk Kibet arrived uninvited at a packed rally where Mike Sonko was drumming up support for UDA candidate Elphas Shalakha in the upcoming by-election, turning what was supposed to be a smooth show of unity into a shouting match and near stampede.
Sonko had a lot of people come to the dusty grounds near Malava with his normal high-energy manner. He played loud music, gave away free water bottles, and promised improved roads, hospitals, and jobs for young people if Shalakha won.
People waved UDA flags and chanted Sonko’s name as he took the microphone. Then Kibet rolled in with a small convoy, stepped out in a sharp suit, and walked straight onto the stage without being asked.
Video clips that spread fast online show the moment clearly. Kibet grabs a microphone from an aide and starts speaking over Sonko, telling the crowd that “the real leadership is with President Ruto” and that they should not be confused by outsiders coming to campaign.
Sonko tried to laugh it off at first, saying, “Welcome, brother,” and attempting to keep the mood light. But Kibet kept talking, warning the audience against “people who only show up during elections” and praising Shalakha as the genuine UDA choice.
Tension rose quickly. Some Sonko supporters booed Kibet, while others cheered him. A few young men pushed forward toward the stage before security stepped in.
At one point Sonko raised his hands, asking for calm, saying, “This is not the way, brothers; let’s talk after.” Kibet eventually stepped down but not before declaring that “Ruto’s government is watching” and that the people should choose wisely.
The rally continued after Kibet left, but the energy had changed. Sonko finished his speech, focusing on local issues – poor drainage, lack of bursaries, and high transport costs – but many in the crowd kept whispering about the interruption.
Shalakha, the candidate on the ballot, stayed mostly quiet during the drama, later saying only that he respects all leaders and wants peace.
Social media exploded within hours. Clips of Kibet taking the mic and Sonko trying to smile through the awkwardness racked up hundreds of thousands of views.
Comments split hard – some praised Kibet for “defending the president’s project”, while others called it disrespectful and proof that Ruto’s camp is nervous about losing ground in Western Kenya. Memes showed Sonko looking shocked with captions like “when your ex shows up at your wedding.”
The incident highlights the fragile alliances inside UDA. Sonko has been campaigning for Shalakha despite past tensions with the national leadership. Kibet’s unannounced arrival felt like a public warning shot – either to remind Sonko who holds the real power or to signal to voters that the president’s men are watching every move.
Neither Kibet nor Sonko has given a full statement since the rally. Sonko posted a short clip on his socials saying “we keep moving forward” with a photo of him and Shalakha smiling. Kibet shared nothing directly, but allies close to him say he was only making sure the message of unity under Ruto reached the people.
For ordinary residents in West Kabras, the day left mixed feelings. Some enjoyed the drama and free water, while others said they just want leaders who deliver without the noise.
As campaigning continues, the Farouk Kibet Mike Sonko rally moment will linger. It showed how thin the line is between alliance and rivalry, even inside the same party. Voters will decide who gets the last word when ballots are cast.
