MOMBASA, Kenya – President William Ruto on Thursday turned heads at the Mombasa International Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) Show after purchasing a bull for Sh1 million in a heated livestock auction.
The prized animal, a three-year-old Chianina breed imported from South Africa and weighing 885 kilograms, became the highlight of the day as top leaders engaged in a spirited bidding contest.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi opened the auction at Sh300,000, followed by Ruto’s Sh400,000 offer.
Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Nassir then pushed the bid to Sh500,000 before Kingi raised it again to Sh550,000.
Abdullswamad countered with Sh600,000, setting the stage for Ruto’s decisive Sh700,000 offer.
When the bidding stalled, the auctioneer jokingly suggested that the leaders pool resources to “gift the President.”
Moments later, Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya announced that they had collectively raised the winning Sh1 million bid, securing the bull for Ruto.
The Chianina—white in colour and originally bred in Italy—is among the oldest and largest cattle breeds in the world, valued for its beef quality.
Earlier, Ruto had bid Sh200,000 for a Santa Gertrudis bull weighing 679kg, which was eventually bought by CS Mvurya for Sh350,000.
Governor Abdullswamad acquired a 775kg Boran bull for Sh500,000, while a Mombasa businessman purchased a 527kg Charolaise for Sh300,000.
After the auction, Ruto officially opened the annual Mombasa ASK Show, where he commended livestock farmers for embracing modern breeding techniques and pledged continued government support to boost productivity in the sector.
“The adoption of improved breeds and technologies by farmers is proof of the transformation taking place in our livestock industry. The government will continue to stand with farmers to ensure the sector thrives,” Ruto said.
The Mombasa ASK Show is one of Kenya’s premier agricultural exhibitions, showcasing innovations in livestock, crop production, agribusiness, and technology.
