President William Ruto’s much-publicised appearance at the Kimalel Goat Auction in Baringo County has been overshadowed by explosive claims from farmers who now say the iconic livestock event was hijacked by cartels and political elites, turning it into a corruption hotspot.
The annual Kimalel Goat Auction, traditionally celebrated as a platform to empower local pastoralists and boost household incomes, has this year sparked outrage after farmers accused the county government and a section of leaders of locking them out.
According to affected pastoralists, goats showcased and sold during the event were largely sourced from politicians, wealthy businesspeople, and their proxies, sidelining genuine local farmers.
Several herders told local media that the long-standing tradition of prioritising goats from local pastoralists was ignored, leaving many residents watching from the sidelines as outsiders reaped the benefits.
“This auction was meant for us, but it was taken over by powerful people who already have money,” lamented one farmer.
The accusations have dealt a political blow to President Ruto, who has consistently branded himself as a champion of hustlers, small-scale farmers, and the bottom-up economic model.
Critics argue that the events at Kimalel contradict this narrative, exposing gaps between policy promises and realities on the ground.
Farmers further allege that cartels controlled access to the auction, determined whose goats were selected and at what price, while local pastoralists were either ignored or offered unfair terms.
The situation has fueled anger among residents, with some leaders calling for investigations into how goats were sourced and who benefited financially.
As pressure mounts, eyes are now on the national government and relevant oversight agencies to address the claims.
For many farmers in Baringo, the Kimalel Goat Auction has shifted from a symbol of hope to a stark reminder of how elite capture can undermine community-driven initiatives.
