Deputy President Kithure Kindiki rejected claims by Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku about his health. He stressed that he feels fine, even with reports saying different.
Kindiki shared a short post on X on December 22, 2025. He wrote, “I am well, very well!”
His words came hours after Ruku told people in Baringo County the deputy president felt ill. This sparked talk and guesses about the mixed messages.
Ruku spoke at the yearly Kimalel Goat Auction and Baringo Cultural Festival. President William Ruto served as chief guest.
To explain Kindiki’s absence, Ruku 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 words showed Kindiki felt sick but still backed the event. He sent greetings and lots of cash to buy goats for local herders. The news spread fast. Many thought the deputy president rested away from crowds.
Kindiki’s quick social media reply shut down those ideas. He made clear he stays healthy.
The Kimalel Goat Auction drew crowds this year. Thousands came. Herders from Baringo and nearby areas offered over 9,000 goats for sale.
President Ruto noted the event’s growth. He linked it to better peace in the area. Ruto 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.”
Top officials joined the buying. Baringo MPs got 400 goats together. Principal Secretaries took 585 in total. Local investor Kiprop bought 100.
Ruto shared the news. He said, “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.”
The event mixed culture, money matters, and leaders’ ties to herders. It went beyond the health talk.
