Fertilizer
Detectives in Trans Nzoia have recovered 739 bags of government subsidized fertilizer on sale, from a private cereals’ shop. Working on a tip off from members of the public, a team of detectives raided stores of a cereals’ facility at Matisi market in Kitale Town, where they recovered the 739 bags of government subsidized fertilizer.
Speaking at Trans Nzoia County Police headquarters after the raid, acting county police commander Joseph Tenai revealed three suspects have been arrested in connection to the incident and are assisting in investigations.
He added that once police finish joining dots, the suspects will be arraigned in court over fraudulent acquisition and sale of government subsidized fertilizer revealing that preliminary investigations indicate the fertilizer had been stored ahead of shipment to Uganda through Suam border point.
Tenai noted that the nabbed fertilizer includes 26 bags of Fomi Otesha, 424 bags of Falcon CAN, 24 bags of OCP fertilizer, 34 bags of Simba Urea, 98 bags of Mavuno Top Dress, 70 bags NPK fertilizer, 16 bags of Falcon Ammonium Sulphate fertilizer, 43 bags of Tupande CAN, 1 bag of Nafaka fertilizer and 3 bags of DAP fertilizer.
The cost of the government-subsidized fertilizer recovered is estimated to be sh1,847,500. Meanwhile, Tenai revealed the suspects had fraudulently purchased the subsidized fertilizer from Kitale, Malaba, Isiolo, Maua and Moi’s Bridge National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depots.
The exhibit of the subsidized fertilizer has been stored at Kitale NCPB depot for custody pending further investigations.
Hence, Trans Nzoia County Director of Criminal Investigations (CDCI) Francis Kihara present during the brief put on notice traders involved in fraudulent acquisition and sale of government subsidized fertilizer, saying the government has put in place mechanisms to arrest each and everyone involved.