- Mudavadi said the government will not relent in its quest to comprehensively investigate the matter and culprits will be brought to book and face the full force of the law.
- He insisted that the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) should not delay in identifying the people behind it.
Image: PCSP
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi now says that individuals involved in the distribution of substandard fertiliser must be punished by law.
Speaking on Sunday, Mudavadi said the government will not relent in its quest to comprehensively investigate the matter and culprits will be brought to book and face full force of the law.
He insisted that the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) should not delay in identifying the people behind it.
“We are telling NCPB, you should not delay anymore because you know very well when you follow the supply and distribution chain properly, which consignment was brought in by who and to be precise, when. Kenyans do not want stories because the answer lies with you NCPB,” Mudavadi said.
He spoke in Bomet where he attended a thanksgiving and prayer service at the African Gospel Churches of Kenya and later presided over a fundraiser to aid the church in constructing a 2,500-capacity sanctuary.
The Prime CS said the government will treat anyone who wants to disrupt the steady progress of the country’s food production sector as enemies of Kenya.
He affirmed that action will prevail and there will be no room for discussions with saboteurs of key sectors of the economy.
Mudavadi stated that farmers and all players in the food production chain must be protected from cartels and any ill-motivated brokers from dubious dealings that cost the country a fortune.
“I am speaking directly to the ears and eyes of those culpable, that we will make sure the law follows these people so that they are charged in a court of law,” Mudavadi said.
“The government cannot be putting in place constructive and progressive policies and plans as part of its agenda, then someone with some malicious motives sneaks in fake fertilizer in the name of doing business, yet he is spoiling all the gains we have made.”
His sentiments come days after he chaired the Principal Secretaries’ National Development Implementation Committee (NDIC), where NCPB was directed to suspend further distribution of fertilizer until investigations are concluded and a report provided.
During the meeting, Principal Secretaries were urged to ensure that the laws on procurement were fully complied with and due diligence was conducted to avoid dealing with entities that lack integrity and capacity to deliver on goods and services contracted for.
Mudavadi said the fertiliser issue is of great concern as it impacts directly on the lives of Kenyan citizens.
He said areas with sensitive and essential commodities like food production, health, energy (Fuel and Petroleum) and education among other key sectors that drive the economy and prosperity of the nation should never be compromised by individuals out to use shortcuts and tricks to derail the government's progress.