Nearly two months after the high-profile Kimalel Goat Auction presided over by President William Ruto, a section of livestock farmers in Baringo County is threatening to protest over unpaid proceeds from the Sh82 million December sale.Â
While the Baringo County Government reported that Sh74.8 million (representing roughly 94.7% of sales) was disbursed by early January 2026, many farmers claim they have not seen a cent.
Farmers allege that “cartels”—including brokers, politicians, and county staff—hijacked the auction by supplying goats in bulk, bypassing the agreed-upon quotas of 10 goats per sub-location.
Affected farmers accuse the county of selective payment practices, claiming they were unfairly branded as cartels while genuine suppliers were left unpaid.
Agriculture CEC Risper Chepkong’a has denied any official involvement in the alleged hijacking, stating that all goats sold will eventually be paid for following an ongoing verification exercise.Â
Farmers have issued an ultimatum to the Baringo Governor’s office, demanding immediate payment or the return of their livestock, as they struggle to pay school fees and meet basic needs.
By Anthony Solly
