The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has intensified its crackdown on a suspected counterfeit fertiliser network in Uasin Gishu County, with detectives arresting five suspects and recovering more than 4,100 bags of assorted suspected counterfeit fertiliser in separate operations.

In the latest operation, detectives from the DCI Headquarters Operations Action Team (OAT), acting on intelligence, raided a premises in Kabenes area, Soy Sub-County, where they arrested three suspects identified as Rose Chemeli, the owner of the premises, Vincent Kibet, and Elias Kipkoech.

A search of the premises led to the recovery of approximately 3,500 bags of assorted suspected counterfeit fertiliser, which have since been secured as exhibits.

The arrests come shortly after another operation in Moiben Sub-County, where detectives arrested two suspects and recovered 624 bags of suspected counterfeit fertiliser.

During the Moiben operation in Kapsubere Village, Karuna Hills, detectives arrested Joshua Ngetich, the owner of the homestead where the alleged illegal activity was taking place, and Lameck Odhiambo. Four other suspects escaped into a nearby maize plantation and are being pursued.

The officers recovered 550 bags of suspected adulterated Urea and DAP fertiliser believed to have been diverted from government-subsidised supplies.

A follow-up search in Ziwa Sirikwa also resulted in the recovery of 64 bags of DAP fertiliser branded “Elgon Kenya” and 10 bags of Mavuno fertiliser, each weighing 50 kilograms.

The five suspects arrested in the two operations remain in custody undergoing processing before arraignment, while detectives continue pursuing other individuals believed to be linked to the suspected criminal network.

The DCI said the crackdown aims to dismantle networks involved in the manufacture, adulteration and distribution of counterfeit agricultural inputs, which pose a threat to farmers’ livelihoods and the country’s food security.