Agricuture CS denies claims of fake fertilisers, accuses opposition of spreading propaganda

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary (CS) Mithika Linturi has refuted claims of counterfeit state-issued subsidised fertiliser amidst recent reports of  seizures across different parts of the country.

Speaking in Kuresoi, Nakuru County on Tuesday, the CS asserted that government fertiliser were scientifically tested and approved before circulation to Kenyan farmers, further advising them not to believe any hearsay on the same.

" Fertiliser ya serikali tunayopeana ni fertiliser imekaguliwa na test results zote na analysis tuko nazo. Hii fertiliser imeangaliwa na ikakaguliwa na tukaona ni fertiliser sawa. We cannot allow a situation where wakulima wetu wanaweza kutapeliwa," he said.

"Kila mtu anataka kujifanya yeye ni scientist, ati macho yao ni kama microscope inaangalia nutrient flani kwa fertiliser."

The CS subsequently faulted the opposition for allegedly spreading rumours about the alleged counterfeit fertiliser, accusing them of attempting to derail Kenya Kwanza's development agenda.

"Story za watu wa vitendawili na watu wakuweka sufuria kwa kichwa wachana nazo. There is nothing that we expect itoke mzuri kutoka kwao. Kile wanataka ni serikali yetu ianguke tukuwe na shida," he said.

The CS however admitted that the government has launched investigations, as a safety measure, to ensure that no counterfeit subsidised fertiliser is circulating, citing past instances of criminals attempting to defraud Kenyans.

"Wakora wamekuwa wengi na kwa sababu tumeskia hizo story our government agencies ziko ground kuweza kusanya kama kuna yeyote watapata," said Linturi.