5 suspects in Eldoret fake fertilizer case freed

Chief Magistrate Peter Ndwiga released the suspects unconditionally when they appeared before him for mention of the matter.

Rose Jemutai, Elphas Kiptoo Bett, Hillary Samoei, Hillary Kipkoech and Vincent Kibet were set free as police continue investigations on the matter. 

In his ruling, Magistrate Ndwiga directed that samples of the seized fertilizer be taken to a government chemistry laboratory to confirm whether the farm input is indeed fake as alleged by police.

He also ordered police to release a motor vehicle seized from the first suspect during the intelligence-led operation, without any conditions.

The suspects were arrested last month at Kabenes area, Soy Sub-County, in connection with allegations of repackaging expired fertilizer for distribution to farmers in the North Rift region.

According to court documents, the first suspect is the owner of the homestead where the alleged repackaging was taking place. The arrests followed a tip-off from members of the public.

The operation was conducted by detectives in collaboration with the DCI Headquarters Operations Action Team, who raided the homestead and uncovered a large stock of suspected counterfeit fertilizer believed to be linked to an organized criminal network.

This comes two weeks after detectives recovered 624 bags of suspected counterfeit fertilizer in a separate operation in Moiben Sub-County. Four other suspects linked to that consignment escaped and remain at large.

The operation later extended to Ziwa Sirikwa area where detectives recovered an additional 64 bags of DAP fertilizer branded Elgon Kenya and 10 bags of Mavuno fertilizer, each weighing 50kg.

The total seizure in that operation stood at 624 bags.