Five suspects have been arrested after detectives recovered more than 4,100 bags of suspected counterfeit and adulterated fertiliser allegedly diverted from the government’s subsidised fertiliser programme during a series of coordinated operations in Uasin Gishu County.
The DCI said the operation targeted criminal networks involved in the manufacture, adulteration and illegal distribution of agricultural inputs, a practice authorities say threatens farmers’ livelihoods and Kenya’s food security.
In the first operation, detectives from the DCI Headquarters Operations Action Team (OAT) raided a homestead in Kapsubere Village, Karuna Hills, Moiben Sub-County, where they arrested Joshua Ngetich, the owner of the property, and Lameck Odhiambo.
According to the DCI, four additional suspects escaped into a nearby maize plantation and remain at large.
During the raid, detectives recovered 550 bags of suspected adulterated Urea and DAP fertiliser believed to have been diverted from government-subsidised supplies.
The operation was later extended to Ziwa Sirikwa, where detectives searched a store linked to another suspect, Elphas Bett, who is also on the run.
The search led to the recovery of an additional 64 bags of DAP fertiliser branded “Elgon Kenya” and 10 bags of Mavuno fertiliser, each weighing 50 kilograms.
Police said all recovered fertiliser has been secured as exhibits, while the two arrested suspects remain in custody awaiting processing and arraignment.
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“The DCI remains steadfast in dismantling criminal networks involved in the manufacture, adulteration and distribition of counterfeit agricultural inputs, safeguarding farmers’ livelihoods and protecting the country’s food security,” the agency said in a statement.
In a separate but related operation, detectives made another major breakthrough after recovering approximately 3,500 additional bags of assorted suspected counterfeit fertiliser in Kabenes area, Soy Sub-County.
Acting on intelligence, officers arrested Rose Chemeli, the owner of the premises, alongside Vincent Kibet and Elias Kipkoech.
A search of the premises uncovered approximately 3,500 bags of assorted suspected counterfeit fertiliser, which detectives seized as evidence.
The three suspects remain in police custody pending arraignment as investigations continue.
The DCI said it is pursuing other individuals believed to be part of the suspected counterfeit fertiliser network as efforts intensify to dismantle illegal operations targeting Kenya’s agricultural sector.
