Police raid at Thika go down nets 4,000 bags of govt fertilizer
Some of the bags of government fertilizer that was found at a go down in Thika on May 14, 2016 by detectives after a tip off from members of the public. National Cereals and Produce Board officers have transferred the fertilizer to the government stores. PHOTO | MARY WAMBUI | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Thika DCIO Raphael Wawira told Nation that the officers were acting on a tip off from members of the public.
- The officers called in some officials from the NCPB who confirmed that the fertilizer was in that go down illegally.
- NCPB regional director Dennis Mutai blamed farmers for engaging in the illegal trade.
About 4,000 sacks of government fertilizer were on Saturday confiscated by detectives at a go down in Ngoingwa Estate in Thika.
Some of the fertilizer had been repackaged for sale into sacks branded Falcon and Chapa Meli.
Thika DCIO Raphael Wawira told Nation that the officers were acting on a tip off from members of the public suspicious of activities at the enclosed go down in the residential estate.
"We found fertilizer contained in sacks labelled NCPB (National Cereals and Produce Board) being repackaged in sacks bearing the brands of two different companies," said Mr Wawira.
The officers called in some officials from the NCPB including the board chairman Mr Jeff King'ang'i who confirmed that the fertilizer was in that go down illegally.
EIGHT WORKERS ARRESTED
NCPB regional director Dennis Mutai who is currently manning the transfer of the fertilizer to their stores blamed farmers for engaging in the illegal trade.
"We suspect that farmers who are greedy for quick cash are involved in this illegal business through selling some of the fertilizers they get at a subsidized fee to unscrupulous traders who later re-sell it at a higher price," alleged Mr Mutai.
Eight workers who were found working in the go down during the police raid were arrested and are expected to lead the officers to the owner.
"We are storing the fertilizer in our stores as police exhibits. We are hopeful to get leads on how the illegal business has been happening from the eight people who are in police custody," said Mr Mutai.
For the last one month, the government has lost over 10,000 bags of fertilizer to unscrupulous sellers who repackage and sell the commodity at double the rate that the government avails it to farmers.
"We use taxpayers’ money to purchase this fertilizer in an effort to increase food production. If this trend continues, then the country risks battling with food scarcity," said Mr Mutai.
By 4pm Saturday, NCPD officers had transferred 2,360 bags from the go down with more bags expected to be transported to their stores.
Thika West deputy county commissioner warned farmers to be careful with the fertilizer that they buy since the repackaged ones could contain illegal substances.
