DCI Seize Stolen Govt Fertilizer Hidden In Church

Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Wednesday, January 3 recovered 252 bags of suspected stolen government fertilizer at a church hall in Narok County.

Following the recovery, DCI stated on Thursday, January 4 that a male suspect was arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts and charged with conveying suspected stolen property.

The suspect who claimed to be a farm manager employed by a Kericho-based businessman was arrested at Ololulunga in Narok South, being the custodian of the fertilizer found stored at the Grace Covenant Church.

Stolen GoK fertilizer recovered on January 3, 2024 by DCI detectives. /DCI

"The 2nd suspect was alleged to have bought the GoK fertilizer from a known dealer operating within the North Rift region & who has several previous cases," stated the DCI in part.

As investigations continue, the arraigned suspect was released on a Ksh500,000 cash bail pending the 1st hearing of the case on Friday, January 5, 2024.

The suspect was charged with conspiring to defraud the government of a total of 2,398 bags of government-subsidised fertilizer, each 50kgs worth more than Ksh7 million between March 10 and November 21, 2023.

He was said to have obtained the said fertilizer after he fraudulently claimed to have a parcel of land measuring 300 acres for crop farming within the Olololung'a sub-location in Narok County.

In November 2023, the government moved to expand its budget for subsidised fertilisers which could lead to increased food production.

In the Supplementary Appropriation (No.3) Bill that was assented to by President William Ruto at State House on November 23, Ksh8.25 billion was added to the purchase of fertilisers.

To tame losses and ensure the stability of maize prices in the country, Ksh2.1 billion was apportioned to the post-harvest management.

"This will entail the acquisition of dryers, bulk storage facilities and purchase of excess maize from farmers to cushion them against price fluctuations.

"The Government has said it will buy the produce from farmers at Ksh4,000 per 90-kilogramme bag," read a statement from State House in part.

President William Ruto signs the Supplementary Appropriation (No.3) Bill at State House, Nairobi on November 23, 2023. /PCS