Post: Two Arrested Over Fake Fertiliser Scam in Molo and Kuresoi North

Molo: Two people have been arrested for allegedly repackaging and selling fake fertiliser to farmers in Molo and Kuresoi North sub-counties.According to Kenya News Agency, the Nakuru County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture, Leonard Bor, disclosed that the suspects have been repackaging the fake fertiliser using a local brand without a license and reselling it at an inflated price.Bor emphasized the gravity of the incident, noting that fertiliser is a crucial commodity for farmers preparing their farms for the planting season. He warned that such activities pose a significant threat to food security and asserted that those exploiting farmers would face legal consequences. Bor advised farmers to purchase fertilisers from 20 outlets authorised by the Department of Agriculture.The suspects were caught with 233 bags of fertiliser, which have been confiscated and transported to an Eldoret government warehouse for further analysis. The arrest was conducted by Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) officials in collaboration with local law enforcement as part of a nationwide crackdown on fraudulent agricultural activities.Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were selling the fake fertiliser at sh6,000 per bag, significantly higher than the government's subsidized rate, exploiting farmers who rely on affordable fertilisers. Molo Sub-County Police Commander Timon Odingo echoed Bor's sentiments, warning of severe legal consequences for such fraudulent activities and urging the public to report any suspicious actions.The suspects are currently held at Seguton Police Station as authorities investigate whether they acted alone or as part of a larger syndicate. Local farmers expressed outrage, stating that such fraud undermines government efforts to support agriculture. The ACA continues to crack down on counterfeit agricultural products, highlighting the necessity of enhancing supply chain monitoring and digital tracking mechanisms to prevent the diversion of government-subsidised goods.T he suspects are expected to face charges of fraud and illegal business practices in court soon.