Detectives have arrested eight suspects following the dismantling of a suspected fertilizer adulteration and repackaging syndicate in Ejinja Village, Rurambi Sub-County, Kakamega County.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI), the arrested individuals include the principal suspect, Napoline Murende Wakukha, alongside Isaya Chepkose Marende, Brivin Yeswa, Milkzadek Meja Nandwa, Martin Shilabula, Strola Deptica, Pascal Wathika Omusikoyo, and Jesca Bulimo.
“A joint team of detectives drawn from DCI Headquarters — Operations Support Unit and their Kakamega-based counterparts conducted the raid at a homestead that had been identified as a processing and distribution point for fraudulent fertilizer products targeting unsuspecting farmers,” the DCI said.
The operation followed sustained surveillance and actionable intelligence, which established that the premises was being used for the illegal handling of Government of Kenya (G.O.K) subsidized fertilizer.
“A comprehensive search of the premises yielded significant exhibits, including two motor vehicles — a white Toyota Fielder (registration KDT 604C) and a black Mazda CX-5 (registration KDE 372P) — both loaded with assorted fertilizer bags, both full and empty,” the DCI added.
Detectives also recovered large quantities of fertilizer of various brands and weights, including UREA TOSHA labelled as G.O.K subsidized fertilizer, YARA products, BORA BORA variants, MEA CAN, DAP, and CALCIGROW granules.
Further, investigators recovered fertilizer suspected to have been tampered with, including contents from 39 bags of OCP Africa TSP labelled as G.O.K subsidized fertilizer.
Also seized were assorted empty branded bags, 48 packets of cement colour pigment used to alter the appearance of fertilizer, and three sewing machines used for repackaging.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the syndicate exploited registered farmers by persuading them to redeem government-issued subsidy fertilizer vouchers on their behalf in exchange for small incentives.
The fertilizer would then be diverted, adulterated using chemical pigments to mimic high-value products such as DAP, repackaged, and sold at prevailing market rates.
Further intelligence suggests possible collusion between the syndicate and individuals within select National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depots, notably in Voi and Webuye, facilitating the irregular acquisition of subsidized fertilizer.
“Findings so far confirm that while the fertilizer is legitimately collected from NCPB depots, its diversion and subsequent adulteration undermine government subsidy programmes, exposing farmers to economic loss and compromising agricultural productivity,” the DCI added.
According to DCI, the scene has since been processed by Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) personnel, while the suspects remain in custody pending arraignment as investigations continue.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) reiterated its unwavering commitment to safeguarding critical government programmes from criminal exploitation and ensuring that those involved in economic sabotage are brought to justice.
The agency also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to the illegal handling or sale of subsidized agricultural inputs to the nearest police station or DCI office.
