Kindiki contradicts CS Ruku over illness claims
By Faith Lagat, December 22, 2025Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has contradicted claims made by Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku regarding his health, insisting that he is in good condition despite reports suggesting otherwise.
Kindiki addressed the matter through a brief post on X on December 22, 2025, declaring, “I am well, very well!”
The statement came just hours after Ruku told residents in Baringo County that the Deputy President was unwell, prompting public discussion and speculation over the conflicting accounts.
Conflicting statements
Ruku made the remarks while addressing attendees at the annual Kimalel Goat Auction and Baringo Cultural Festival, an event graced by President William Ruto as the chief guest. Explaining Kindiki’s absence, the Cabinet Secretary said, “Naibu wa Rais hasikii vizuri sana. Ameniambia nikifika nilete salamu zake na amenituma na pesa mingi sana ya kununua mbuzi. Kwa hivyo mkiona Naibu wa Rais hayuko, ametumana na ako na nyinyi.”
Ruku’s comments suggested that Kindiki was under the weather but remained supportive of the event and the local pastoralist community, sending greetings and financial support for goat purchases. The explanation was widely circulated, leading many to believe the Deputy President was recuperating away from public engagements.
However, Kindiki’s short but firm response on social media appeared to dismiss the claims, asserting that he was in good health.
Goat auction highlights
The Kimalel Annual Goat Auction, a long-standing cultural and economic event, drew thousands of people this year, with more than 9,000 goats presented for sale by pastoralists from Baringo and neighbouring counties. President Ruto highlighted the steady growth of the auction over the years, attributing it to improved security in the region.
He said, “Tulianza na mbuzi 2,000, ikapanda hadi 3,000, mwaka jana ikawa 5,000, na sasa mmeleta mbuzi 9,000. Nimeuliza waliopanga hii shughuli wakaniambia iko amani sasa, mbuzi inatembea kila mahali, ndiyo maana idadi imeongezeka.”
Several government officials actively took part in the auction. Baringo Members of Parliament collectively bought 400 goats, Principal Secretaries purchased a combined total of 585, while a local investor, Kiprop, acquired 100 goats.
Ruto announced, “Tumekubaliana na hawa watu: wa kwanza ni wabunge wa Baringo wamenunua mbuzi 400, wa pili ni ma-PS walioko hapa wamenunua 585, na tuko na Kiprop, investor wa hapa ambaye ana pesa sana, amenunua mbuzi 100.”
Beyond the health debate, the event underscored the blend of cultural celebration, economic empowerment, and government engagement with pastoral communities.