Eight arrested in suspected fertilizer adulteration, repackaging syndicate

Eight suspects have been arrested following the dismantling of a suspected fertiliser adulteration and repackaging syndicate in Ejinja Village, Rurambi Sub-County, Kakamega County, after a targeted, intelligence-led operation by detectives.

The arrested individuals include the principal suspect, Napoline Murende Wakukha, alongside Isaya Chepkose Marende, Brivin Yeswa, Milkzadek Meja Nandwa, Martin Shilabula, Strola Deptica, Pascal Wathika Omusikoyo, and Jesca Bulimo.

According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), a contingent of detectives drawn from the Operations Support Unit and their Kakamega-based counterparts conducted the raid at a homestead that had been identified as a processing and distribution point for fraudulent fertilizer products targeting unsuspecting farmers.

During the operation, sleuths established that the premises was being used for the illegal handling of Government of Kenya (G.O.K) subsidised fertiliser.

“A comprehensive search of the premises yielded significant exhibits, including two motor vehicles — a white Toyota Fielder (registration KDT 604C) and a black Mazda CX-5 (registration KDE 372P) — both loaded with assorted fertiliser bags, both full and empty,” DCI stated.

Detectives also recovered large quantities of fertiliser of various brands and weights, including UREA TOSHA labelled as G.O.K subsidised fertiliser, YARA products, BORA BORA variants, MEA CAN, DAP, and CALCIGROW granules.

Further, investigators recovered fertiliser suspected to have been tampered with, including contents from 39 bags of OCP Africa TSP labelled as G.O.K. subsidised fertiliser.

DCI also seized assorted empty branded bags, 48 packets of cement colour pigment used to alter the appearance of fertiliser, and three sewing machines used for repackaging.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the syndicate exploited registered farmers by persuading them to redeem government-issued subsidy fertiliser vouchers on their behalf in exchange for small incentives.

“The fertiliser would then be diverted, adulterated using chemical pigments to mimic high-value products such as DAP, repackaged, and sold at prevailing market rates,” stated DCI.

Investigations suggest possible collusion between the syndicate and individuals within select National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depots, notably in Voi and Webuye, facilitating the irregular acquisition of subsidised fertiliser.

According to the probe, while the fertiliser is legitimately collected from NCPB depots, its diversion and subsequent adulteration undermine government subsidy programmes, exposing farmers to economic loss and compromising agricultural productivity.

The scene has since been processed by Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) personnel, while the suspects remain in custody pending arraignment as investigations continue.