- DCI detectives in Suna East acted on a public tip-off to intercept subsidised fertiliser being sold illegally in Migori Township
- The 55 recovered bags were clearly marked 'NOT FOR SALE,' in apparent violation of distribution rules governing the government programme
- Three women were arrested and escorted to Migori Police Station alongside the fertiliser, which was booked as an exhibit
Nancy Odindo is a Current Affairs Editor at TUKO.co.ke, covering general news. Odindo has over six years of journalism experience and joined TUKO.co.ke in 2023.
Three women have been arrested in Migori county after detectives recovered 55 bags of government-subsidised fertiliser being sold illegally, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) announced on Thursday, October 22.
Source: Twitter
Acting on a tip-off from members of the public, officers from the Suna East unit moved to the Apida area in Suna Central Location, where they found the fertiliser openly on offer despite each bag bearing the marking "NOT FOR SALE."
Suspects led detectives to hidden stock
According to the DCI's statement, after initial questioning at the scene, the three suspects led investigators to their individual stores, where a search uncovered the full consignment of 55 bags.
The fertiliser, which is distributed by the government at subsidised rates to support smallholder farmers, is legally restricted from being resold for profit.
The suspects, aged 60, 37, and 34, were taken to Migori Police Station together with the recovered bags, which were registered as exhibits pending further action.
DCI urges public to report suspicious activity
The DCI credited the arrest directly to a member of the public whose information enabled detectives to intervene before more of the subsidised stock could be offloaded.
The agency reiterated its call for Kenyans to report suspected criminal activity through its toll-free line, 0800 722 203, or via WhatsApp at 0709 570 000.
The government's subsidised fertiliser programme is intended to lower input costs for farmers across the country. Diversion of such stock into illegal markets undermines the programme's reach and drives up costs for the smallholder farmers it was designed to support.
DCI raid uncovers suspected counterfeit flour
In other news, DCI raided a Kasarani godown, where seven suspects were arrested, and thousands of suspected counterfeit maize flour packets were seized.
Source: Facebook
Detectives also found packaging and equipment linked to an alleged repackaging operation. A lorry was being loaded with the suspected counterfeit goods when officers arrived.
Investigators were examining packets that imitated a trusted brand but came in a size the company said it does not produce.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
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