Eight suspects who were seized by police three days ago in Uasin Gishu in connection with the multi-million shillings fertilizer syndicate targeting maize farmers in North Rift region will continue to spend seven days in custody.
This was after Eldoret Senior Resident Magistrate Daniel Sitati turned down their prayers to be released on reasonable cash bail or bond terms pending their plea taking in a case where they have been accused of being in possession of counterfeit goods contrary to section 32(b) of the anti-counterfeit Act No 13 of 2008.
In his ruling the Magistrate ordered the police to escort the suspects to Ainabkoi police station cells until an investigation that is being conducted by the criminal investigation officers into the fertilizer racket is completed.
“I authorize the Investigating Officer Inspector Joyce Tunge, a police officer attached to DCI in Ainabkoi police Sub County for a period of seven days to allow the investigating officer time to complete investigation into the matter,” stated Sitati in his ruling.
The suspects who were busted in the fertilizer racket include Wycliff Mariga Okudi, Samuel Wacha Juma, Vitalis Onduki Obara, Stephen Vigiza Kashera and Patrick Kamboso Munai.
Others facing investigation into the fertilizer syndicate are Gabriel Walunyo, Daniel Salano and Kevin Wangila.
A multi-agency team that was acting on a tip off stormed Kotut Balers Agro Feed at Naiberi trading centre in Ainabkoi sub county, Uasin Gishu county on Saturday and arrested the suspects before recovering 750 bags that were being seized.
The seized fake fertilizer products were destined for distribution to unsuspecting farmers in North Rift, Western, and South Rift regions where farmers have started tilling their land and procuring inputs.
The officers also managed to recover 500 empty bags labeled OCP fertilizer, 500 empty DAP branded bags, 500 empty wheat bags, three sewing machines, a weighing scale, moisture meter machine, 10 kilograms of Nova drying agent and 10.3 kilograms of iron oxide.
Police have consequently warned farmers and members of the public in general to be wary of fake fertilizer being sold or distributed by unscrupulous traders in the region.
The investigating officer informed the court that the main culprit in the syndicate only identified as Kotut was still at large as she assured the Magistrate that it was just a matter of time before they apprehend him.
“Your honor, we are still looking for the main culprit who is still at large and are optimistic of bringing him to book in the shortest time possible so that he can account for his action,” said Inspector Tunge.
She told the court that they require more time to finalize investigations noting that they were yet to record statements from crucial witnesses and that they were yet to nab the main culprit in the multi-million shillings fake fertilizer racket.
“Your honor, the consignment of fertilizer product which was recovered is yet to be subjected to government chemist for forensic analysis,” added Tunge who had in her miscellaneous application asked for ten more days to detain the suspects.
The Magistrate ruled that the suspect be presented before his court for plea taking on March 2, 2026.
By Ekuwam Sylvester
