Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested five suspects and recovered a total of 4,124 bags of suspected counterfeit and adulterated fertiliser in two coordinated operations in Uasin Gishu county.
The twin raids, conducted by the headquarters Operations Action Team (OAT) in Moiben and Soy subcounties, are part of an ongoing crackdown on criminal networks involved in the manufacture, adulteration and distribution of counterfeit fertiliser.
In the first operation, detectives raided a homestead in Kapsubere Village, Karuna Hills, where they arrested two suspects.
According to the DCI, four other suspects escaped into a nearby maize plantation as officers moved in and are currently being pursued.
During the search, detectives recovered 550 bags of suspected adulterated fertiliser believed to have been diverted from the government's subsidised fertiliser programme.
The operation was later extended to Ziwa Sirikwa, where officers searched a store belonging to another suspect who remains at large.
The search yielded an additional 74 bags of fertiliser, each weighing 50 kilogrammes.
The recovered fertiliser was secured as evidence, while the two suspects remain in police custody awaiting processing and arraignment.
In a separate operation in Kabenes area of Soy Subcounty, detectives acting on intelligence arrested three suspects.
A search of the property led to the recovery of approximately 3,500 bags of assorted suspected counterfeit fertiliser.
The three suspects are being processed ahead of their arraignment, while the recovered fertiliser has also been secured as exhibits.
Detectives said investigations are continuing as they pursue other persons believed to be linked to the illegal fertiliser distribution network.
The DCI said the operations underscore its commitment to dismantling criminal syndicates involved in the production and distribution of counterfeit agricultural inputs.
"The DCI remains steadfast in dismantling criminal networks involved in the manufacture, adulteration and distribution of counterfeit agricultural inputs, safeguarding farmers' livelihoods and protecting the country's food security," the agency said.
The seizure comes amid continued efforts by law enforcement
agencies to curb the circulation of fake and adulterated farm inputs, which
pose significant risks to agricultural productivity, farmers' incomes and
national food security.
