Editor's Review

The meeting started at 11:00 and went all the way to 8:00 pm. Late that night NCPB officials were bundled out and arrested.

In what was expected to be a proper deliberation meeting government officials, ended up with drama and arrests.

National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) officials had been summoned for a meeting by Agriculture Principal Secretary Paul Ronoh on Tuesday, April 30.

The meeting started at 11:00 and went all the way to 8:00 pm. Late that night NCPB officials were bundled out and arrested.

File image of fertiliser at a depot. PHOTO | COURTESY

This is after the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) preferred charges against them concerning the manufacture, distribution and sale of substandard fertiliser. 

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The three arrested NCPB officials were; Joseph Kimote, (Managing Director), John Ng'etich, (Corporation Secretary) and John Matiri (Marketing and Operation).

"Joseph Kimote, the Managing Director, National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPВ). Conspiracy to defraud Contrary to Section 317 of the Penal Code and Abuse of office Contrary to Section 46 as read with Section 48 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act No. 3 of 2003," the ODPP's statement read in part.

"John Kiplangat Ngetich, the Cooperate Secretary, National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB). Conspiracy to defraud Contrary to Section 317 of the Penal Code and Abuse of Office Contrary to Section 46 as read with Section 48 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act No. 3 of 2003," it added.

"John Mbaya Matiri, the Chairman, Business Committee, National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB). Conspiracy to defraud Contrary to Section 317 of the Penal code and Abuse of Office Contrary to Section 46 as read with Section 48 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act No. 3 of 2003."

SBL Innovate Manufacturers Ltd is also expected to face charges in connection with the sale of fake fertiliser. The director will also face charges of applying a standardisation mark to a commodity that does not comply with Kenyan standards.

The arrests came after President William Ruto ordered a probe into the sale and distribution of fake fertiliser in the country.