‘Kindiki is not feeling well’ – Ruku explains why DP failed to attend Kimalel Goat Auction
By Mabonga Makhanu, December 22, 2025Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has revealed that Deputy President Kithure Kindiki was unwell and therefore unable to attend the Kimalel Annual Goat Auction held in Baringo County on Monday, December 22, 2025.
Ruku explained that due to the Deputy President being under the weather, Kindiki opted to send him to represent him at the event, which attracted leaders from within and outside the county, led by President William Ruto.
More than 9,000 goats were brought to the market by local pastoralists for auction.
“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 said.
The Kimalel Annual Goat Auction has been held for decades and has provided pastoralists from Baringo and neighbouring counties with a ready market for their livestock.
The auction
President Ruto noted that the number of goats brought to the auction has steadily increased over the years.
According to the president, 2,000 goats were sold in one of the earlier editions, followed by 3,000 the next year, 5,000 last year, and a sharp rise to 9,000 goats this year.
The head of state attributed the surge in numbers to improved security, citing reduced cases of cattle rustling and banditry in the region.
“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,” President Ruto said.
The goat auction
Several senior government officials participated in the auction, purchasing large numbers of goats.
Baringo Members of Parliament bought 400 goats, and Principal Secretaries present purchased a combined total of 585 goats, while a local business investor identified by the president as Kiprop bought 100 goats.
“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,” President Ruto added.