DCI Bust Suspects Smuggling Ksh1.8M Stolen Govt Fertiliser Out Of The Country
The OSU deployed to curb the vice successfully intercepted and recovered 737 bags of assorted brands of fertiliser and arrested the trio.
Marvin Chege 
Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations' (DCI) Operations Support Unit (OSU) have arrested three suspects linked to the theft of government-subsidized fertiliser and attempts to smuggle it out of the country.
The DCI stated on Tuesday, April 16 that the arrest followed increased cases of theft of the government fertiliser from the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depots by rogues who then sneak it beyond the borders of the Republic of Kenya.
The OSU deployed to curb the vice successfully intercepted and recovered 737 bags of assorted brands of the fertiliser and arrested the trio.
Bags of stolen fertiliser recovered during a raid at a cereal store along the Kitale-Endebess road on April 16, 2024. /DCI
The three were cornered at a cereal store within Matisi market along the Kitale-Endebess road, in the operation that saw the fertiliser valued at Ksh1,847,500 seized while being prepared for transit to a neighbouring country.
"The assorted brands included 424 bags of Falcon CAN, 43 bags of Tupande, 98 bags of Mavuno, 71 bags of KEL Green NPK (50 kgs each), 20 bags of NPSB-OCP, four bags of DAP-OCP, 26 bags of FOMI OTESHA, 34 bags of Simba Urea, 16 bags of FALCON Ammonia Sulphate and one bag of NAFAKA Plus weighing 50kg," stated the DCI in part.
Moreover, the detectives recovered delivery notes from NCPB Kitale, Malaba, Moi's Bridge, Isiolo and Maua NCPB depots, whose authentication is underway.
The authentication will help trace the broader network of those involved in the illicit trade which not only threatens agricultural productivity but also the economic stability of local farmers who rely on subsidized fertilizers for their crops.
"The scene has been processed by Crime Scene Investigators and all exhibits secured, as the three suspects await arraignment," added the DCI, with the suspects expected to face serious charges related to the theft and smuggling of government property.
This crackdown sends a strong message to those involved in similar crimes, highlighting the government's commitment to safeguarding agricultural resources and supporting local farmers.
Furthermore, the ongoing investigations aim to dismantle networks that undermine national food security and bring the culprits to justice.
Earlier in January, DCI detectives recovered 252 bags of suspected stolen government fertilizer at a church hall in Narok County, with a male suspect arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts and charged with conveying suspected stolen property.
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