KAKAMEGA, Kenya — Eight individuals have been arrested in Kakamega County following the disruption of a suspected fertilizer adulteration and repackaging network, authorities confirmed on Tuesday.
The alleged ringleader, Napoline Murende Wakukha, was apprehended at her home in Ejinja Village, Rurambi Sub-County, during a raid conducted by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Headquarters’ Operations Support Unit in collaboration with local Kakamega officers.
Others detained include Isaya Chepkose Marende, Brivin Yeswa, Milkzadek Meja Nandwa, Martin Shilabula, Strola Deptica, Pascal Wathika Omusikoyo, and Jesca Bulimo.
According to the DCI, the homestead had been under surveillance after being identified as a central hub for the processing and distribution of fraudulent fertilizers targeting unsuspecting farmers.
During the operation, detectives recovered two vehicles loaded with assorted fertilizer bags, some full and others empty. Large quantities of fertilizer of various brands were also seized, including UREA TOSHA, marketed as government-subsidized fertilizer, as well as YARA, BORA BORA, MEA CAN, DAP, and CALCIGROW granules.
Investigators further recovered fertilizer suspected to have been tampered with, including contents from 39 bags of OCP Africa TSP labelled as subsidized fertilizer. At the site, authorities also discovered empty branded bags, 48 packets of cement colour pigment used to alter the fertilizer’s appearance, and three sewing machines employed in the repackaging process.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the syndicate targeted registered farmers, convincing them to redeem government-issued fertilizer subsidy vouchers on their behalf in exchange for small incentives.
“The fertilizer would then be diverted, adulterated using chemical pigments to mimic high-value products such as DAP, repackaged, and sold at prevailing market rates,” the DCI stated.
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“Further intelligence suggests 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 subsidized fertilizer.”
Authorities noted that while the fertilizer was legitimately collected from NCPB depots, its diversion and adulteration undermines government subsidy programmes, exposes farmers to losses, and threatens agricultural productivity.
The scene has been processed by Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) personnel, with the suspects remaining in custody pending arraignment.
The DCI reiterated its commitment to safeguarding government programmes from criminal exploitation and urged members of the public to report any suspicious activities involving subsidized agricultural inputs to the nearest police station or DCI office.
