Nairobi Kenya — Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has come to the defense of Agriculture Cabinet Secretary, Mithika Linturi, amidst ongoing investigations into fake fertilizer seized by the police in various parts of the country.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Mwaura said Linturi is not directly implicated in the controversy, suggesting that calls for his resignation are premature.
"It's a stretch. There's no evidence linking him to this issue; he's not involved. Investigations are still underway, and Minister Linturi is fully committed to fulfilling his duties," Mwaura affirmed even as leaders in the Opposition mounted pressure for Linturi to resign.
He hinted at a possible plot to sabotage the government's efforts to provide farmers with subsidized fertilizer by certain political opponents.
Mwaura said that initial tests conducted by the Kenya Bureau of Standards on the counterfeit fertilizers indicated that they were not part of the supplies distributed under the subsidy program through the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB).
He further emphasized that farmers in 45 counties have received fertilizers from NCPB depots, and none of them have reported receiving counterfeit products.
He reiterated that fertilizers distributed under the Government Subsidized program are clearly labeled as such and marked "Not for Resale."
"Let me clarify that investigations are ongoing regarding the alleged distribution of fake fertilizers to farmers, aimed at identifying those responsible for the scam," he added.
Meanwhile, Linturi and his Trade counterpart Rebecca Miano, along with other stakeholders, are scheduled to appear before the Senate on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, to address allegations surrounding the distribution of counterfeit fertilizer in government depots.
Senator James Murango, Chairperson of the Senate Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries Committee, announced plans for the committee to visit several counties to apprehend the perpetrators, including Kirinyaga, Embu, Laikipia, Nandi, Homabay, Nakuru, and Kakamega.
The summoned entities include the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB), Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), and Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
