Senate summons CS Miano, Linturi in fake fertiliser probe

Senator James Murango, the Chairperson of the Senate Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Committee says the two have been summoned for a probe into the circulation of fake fertiliser in the Kenyan market. 

Speaking in Kerugoya on Wednesday, Murango - who is also the Kirinyaga Senator – said the committee will visit several counties including Murang'a, Kirinyaga, Embu, Laikipia, Nandi, Homabay, Nakuru, and Kakamega to bring the perpetrators to book.

Murango said the committee has also summoned officials from National Cereal and Produce Board (NCPB) , Kenya Bureau  of Standards (KEBS), National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to explain why fake fertiliser was distributed in government depots. 

“Individuals linked to the scam will be prosecuted,” Murango said.

Farmers in the country have been counting losses from the fake fertiliser bought in NCPB depots.

Farmers who bought the fertiliser from NCPB depots in Sagana and Embu want the government to compensate them.

Over 10 farmers in Mugamba Ciura, who bought the fake fertilisers at Embu depot said the it was filled with goat waste, sand and stones. 

In Gichugu Constituency, Isaac Njagi bought fertiliser filled with stones in Sagana depot.

In Ndia Constituency, Susan Wambui Jogoo bought two bags of the subsidised fertiliser that had goat waste and sand.

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi has so far refuted claims of counterfeit subsidised fertiliser amid outcry from the farmers.

Murango advised farmers in the country to keep vouchers and text messages they received after buying the alleged fertilisers from NCPB.