Fake Fertiliser Scandal Probe: Senate Summons CS Miano, Linturi

 

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi and his Trade Counterpart Rebecca Miano are scheduled to appear before the Senate Agriculture Committee on Wednesday, April 10, 2024.

Senator James Murango, Chairperson of the Senate Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries Committee, says the two have been summoned for an investigation into the distribution of fake fertiliser in the Kenyan market.


Murango, the Kirinyaga Senator, said the committee will visit several counties, including Murang'a, Kirinyaga, Embu, Laikipia, Nandi, Homabay, Nakuru, and Kakamega, to bring the perpetrators to justice.

 Murango stated that the committee has also summoned officials from the National Cereal and Produce Board (NCPB), Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to explain why fake fertiliser was distributed in government depots. 

“Individuals linked to the scam will be prosecuted,” Murango said.

Farmers across the country have been counting their losses as a result of fake fertiliser purchased at NCPB depots.

Farmers who purchased fertiliser from NCPB depots in Sagana and Embu want the government to compensate them.


Over ten farmers in Mugamba, Ciura, who purchased the fake fertilisers from the Embu depot reported that they were filled with goat waste, sand, and stones.

Isaac Njagi of Gichugu Constituency purchased fertiliser containing stones at the Sagana depot.

Susan Wambui Jogoo of Ndia Constituency purchased two bags of subsidised fertiliser containing goat waste and sand.

Mithika Linturi, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary, has so far refuted claims of counterfeit subsidised fertiliser amid farmer outrage.

Murango advised farmers in the country to keep the vouchers and text messages they received after purchasing alleged fertilisers from the NCPB.