Kenyans are still scratching their heads over the theft of 7,000 bags of fertilizer valued at nearly Ksh. 30 million from the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depot in Maua during the June 25 protests.
The sheer scale of the theft, over 350 tonnes has sparked more suspicion than outrage, with critics questioning the plausibility of the government’s account.
Basic calculations raise red flags. To move 7,354 bags in under two hours would require roughly 307 people assuming each carried one 50kg bag every five minutes for two hours. Using vehicles, the picture grows more absurd.
A standard Probox, a staple means of transport within the town, with a 550kg capacity, would need approximately 669 trips to transport the entire load.
The suggestion that this could happen during chaotic protests and with security reportedly present has left many Kenyans skeptical.
“How do you cart away that much fertilizer in the middle of chaos without significant coordination, transport logistics, or inside help?” one resident asked.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe condemned the incident, calling it a “direct assault on Kenya’s food security.”
In a press statement, he blamed criminal elements for hijacking peaceful demonstrations and warned against confusing democratic rights with lawlessness.
But public trust is running low.
“The numbers don’t add up.. Either the state failed catastrophically, or someone is using the unrest to cover up a well-orchestrated theft.”
The incident now threatens to disrupt fertilizer distribution in Meru, just as farmers prepare for planting. Many fear delayed inputs will impact food production and cash crop yields in the region.
The Ministry has called on the National Police Service to urgently investigate the looting, recover the stolen goods, and prosecute those responsible.
Still, the question lingers in the minds of many:
Was this a spontaneous heist, an inside job or a cover-up dressed as chaos?
