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State agency impounds 19,000 ‘fake fertiliser’ gunny bags
Bags of substandard fertiliser that were seized at the National Cereals and Produce Board depot in Molo, Nakuru County on March 23, 2024.
What you need to know:
- Besides the arrest, the team impounded 19,105 gunny bags of fertilizer.
- Mr Abikar further stated that the cartel poses grave danger to public.
A suspected gunny bag trader was arrested on Wednesday during a raid on counterfeit goods at a godown in Kariokor, Starehe Sub-county.
The operation, conducted by the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA), was led by Regional Manager Abdi Mohammed Abikar, ACA officials, who were accompanied by police officers.
The Nation found a beehive of activity at the godown as close to 100 workers sorted, labelled, and packed gunny bags in the one-storey facility.
Besides the arrest, the team impounded 19,105 gunny bags of fertilizer.
Mr Abikar said the commodity was sourced from a suspected factory in Athi River. He added that the operation involved a chain of cartels who ultimately target unsuspecting buyers by selling fake fertilizer.
Mr Abikar further stated that the cartel poses grave danger to public and contributes significantly to food insecurity.
He said the operation follows a series of raids in Kisii, Kitale, and Kakamega counties in response to a presidential directive to dismantle the cartel through raids and arrests.
He told the Nation that the cartels were suspected of preparing their “bait” ahead of the planting season, expected to peak by the end of February and throughout March this year.
“We stormed similar godowns in Kisii, Kakamega, and Kitale counties. It seems this is a well-orchestrated syndicate, but I am optimistic we will get a breakthrough,” Mr Abikar remarked.
Activities came to a standstill near the scene as curious traders and residents milled around to witness the events.
“These people were preparing to take the sacks for packing fake fertiliser, but detectives have been on their trail. We will soon arrest all of them," Mr Abikar stated.
An employee told the Nation in confidence that the business involves a chain of senior government officials and has been ongoing for years.
He said the authorities may have been tipped off by someone within the criminal ring.
“One of them did not get his share, and that’s what led to the whistle-blowing. We have been here for years,” the man said.
The exercise was also witnessed by Deputy County Commissioner John Kisang.
“Members of the public might not have access to these godowns to see what transactions take place here. Even I did not know such an illegal business was happening here,” Mr Kisang remarked.
He said the raid should serve as a warning to anyone involved in similar illegal businesses. He also urged members of the public to volunteer information of such operations to security agencies.