Nairobi, Feb. 27 -- He is feared and revered in equal measure. Farouk Kibet, a long-time close aide and ally of President William Ruto, has unfettered access to the head of state.

Mr Kibet has increasingly followed in the president's footsteps, presiding over numerous church fundraising events, raising questions about what he might be getting up to.

While President Ruto has curtailed his church fundraising activities since his election a year ago, his close aide has seemingly picking up his slack and taking a leading role in organising fundraisers for churches, most of which take place at his Turbo home in Uasin Gishu County.

He holds a minimum of three such fundraisers monthly, with a minimum collection of Sh3 million each, and is als...