Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi has sought additional time from Parliament to provide crucial documents concerning the investigation into the distribution of fake fertilizer. Linturi made the plea during his appearance before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Agriculture and Livestock on Monday, acknowledging the absence of essential documents required for the probe.
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Chairing the committee, Tigania West Member of Parliament John Kanyuithia highlighted the discrepancy between Linturi’s report, which claimed the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) possessed evidence validating the authenticity of fertilizer distributed by the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB), and the actual absence of these documents. Despite being marked as annexes in Linturi’s report, the documents were not presented to the committee.
Dr. Kanyuithia pressed Linturi on the missing documents, emphasizing their importance in uncovering the truth behind the fake fertilizer scandal. In response, Linturi requested more time to provide the omitted documents, citing his recent return from overseas and his need to familiarize himself fully with the report and its accompanying materials.
“I want to take note of all those issues that have not been provided so I can provide another bundle (of documents) for you to clear your minds,” Linturi assured the MPs. He also mentioned a court order among the missing annexes and pledged transparency in the process, stating, “I beg for more time to supply you with the material alleged to be annexed but is not because there is nothing to hide.”
Linturi, alongside Trade counterpart Rebecca Miano and officials from KEBS, NCPB, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), has been summoned by Parliament to explain the distribution of fake fertilizer. Notably, eight KEBS officials have been suspended in connection to the scandal.
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Recent incidents, including the interception of a lorry carrying suspected fake fertilizer in Bungoma and the seizure of fake fertilizer bags in Kakamega and Nakuru, underscore the gravity of the issue. Over 2,650 bags already supplied to farmers have been recalled as investigations continue.
