The Mombasa International ASK Show turned into a spectacle when President William Ruto outbid fellow leaders to purchase a three-year-old Chianina bull for KSh 1 million. The 885 kg bull, described by the auctioneer as one of the best in the 2025 show, drew fierce competition from Senate Speaker Amason Kingi and Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Sherrif Nassir.
How did the auction unfold?
The first bull to go under the hammer was a 679 kg brown bull from Kilifi County. Bidding started at KSh 40,000, with President Ruto entering at KSh 200,000. After several rounds, Trade CS Salim Mvurya secured it for KSh 350,000.
Next was a five-year-old Boran bull weighing 775 kg. Ruto placed the opening bid of KSh 400,000, but Governor Nassir ultimately won with KSh 500,000. A third bull, a 527 kg Charolais, sold for KSh 300,000.
When the auctioneer introduced the Chianina bull, the stakes rose quickly. “Your Excellency, we are presenting one of the best cows in this 2025 show… This is a Chianina breed, weighing 885 kgs, and it is three years old,” the auctioneer announced. Bidding escalated from Kingi’s KSh 300,000 to Ruto’s final KSh 1 million after offers from Nassir and Kingi. The auctioneer reminded the crowd, “Hio ni ngombe imekuwa imported from South Africa. Tupande bei kidogo,” urging higher bids before Ruto sealed the purchase.
What else did Ruto do at the show?
Beyond the bidding, the president presented awards to outstanding livestock exhibitors before visiting exhibition stands. The event highlighted the importance of livestock farming in Kenya’s economy, while also drawing public attention to the high-profile bidding wars among leaders.
Has Ruto bought livestock before?
This was not President Ruto’s first major livestock purchase. In December 2023, he and then Deputy Rigathi Gachagua led the Kimalel Goat Auction and Cultural Festival in Baringo, where they bought 1,000 goats worth KSh 15 million at KSh 15,000 each. Other leaders also joined, with CS Kipchumba Murkomen and MP Oscar Sudi each purchasing 150 goats. At the time, Ruto emphasized that all payments had to be made in cash, cautioning against cheques or credit.
The Kimalel Goat Auction, started in 1986 by the late President Daniel arap Moi, continues to serve as both a cultural celebration and an economic boost for Baringo residents.
By Lucky Anyanje