Deputy President Kithure Kindiki is unwell, according to Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, who on Monday, December 22, clarified Kindiki's absence from a goat auction event attended by President William Ruto in Baringo.
Speaking during the Kimalel Goat Auction, Ruku informed the attendees that the DP could not manage to attend the ceremony as he was feeling sick.
In the event attended by senior leaders in government, including President Ruto, the CS said he had been sent by Kindiki to convey his greetings to the people of Baringo and to explain his absence.
"Dear Your Excellency, President, I have been sent by your deputy, who is sick. He told me that when I come here in Baringo for the goat auction, I should send his greetings," Ruku explained.
He went on to add, "He has sent me a lot of money to buy goats for Christmas. So if you notice the absence of the deputy president, just know I am here on his behalf."
His absence from the Baringo event had sparked online speculation, with Ruku's statement putting an end to the speculations of his notable absence.
Ruku did not offer any further details regarding what is ailing the DP. His last public event was on December 19, where he presided over the passing out of 147 cadet officers and 103 junior officers at the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Law Enforcement Academy in Manyani, Taita Taveta County.
During the passout parade, Kindiki directed the Tourism Ministry to work with all the 47 county governments to operationalise all the national wildlife reserves that are under county governments but remain dormant.
A day before, the second in command had accompanied Ruto to officially open the Affordable Housing Project in Mukuru Kwa Njenga and the New Mukuru Level 4 Hospital.
Kindiki, who was sworn in as the deputy president in November last year, has recently had a busy schedule, accompanying and representing the Head of State in several events.
Meanwhile, Ruto attended the Kimalel goat auction alongside other leaders, including Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi and Majority Leaders in the National Assembly and Senate, Kimani Ichung'wah and Aaron Cheruyiot, respectively.
The Kimalel goat auction is a major annual livestock event that connects local pastoralists with buyers. The event is always attended by senior leaders in government and politicians.
