5 Arrested as DCI Recovers 3500 Bags of Fake Fertiliser in Uasin Gishu

Bags of fertilizer recovered by DCI PHOTO/DCI

Detectives from the DCI Headquarters Operations Action Team (OAT) have arrested five suspects and recovered more than 3500 bags of suspected counterfeit fertilizer in Uasin Gishu County.

According to a statement by DCI, the operation was conducted on July 25, 2026, in Kapsubere Village, Moiben Sub-County and it led to the arrest of Joshua Ngetich and Lameck Odhiambo.

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

They also searched another store belonging to one of the suspects, Elphas Bett, who remains at large, which resulted in an additional 64 bags of Elgon Kenya and ten bags of Mavuno fertiliser, each weighing fifty kilograms.

Suspects Had Run Away

Detectives say four other suspects managed to run away into a nearby maize plantation and the detectives were looking for them.

The detectives then went to Kabenes area in Soy Sub-County where they arrested three of the four suspects who fled, Rose Chemeli, Vincent Kibet and Elias Kipkoech.

Also Read: Kenya Power Lists Counties Set for Sunday Power Blackouts

A search of Rose’s premises resulted in the discovery of an additional 3500 bags of assorted suspected counterfeit fertilizer.

The recovered bags of fertilizer have been secured as evidence by the DCI.

Suspects In Custody

On the other hand, the five suspects are undergoing processing while awaiting their arraignment in court.

Further, the DCI said the investigations are ongoing to establish the full extent of the alleged counterfeit fertiliser network and trace the remaining people of interest in the investigation.

Additionally, the detectives are continuing to pursue other people who could be of interest in the ongoing investigation.

Also Read: Shock as Ruiru Vampire Man Lures Woman to Room for One-Night Stand Before Biting Her Lower Lip

DCI assures Kenyans that they will remain steadfast in protecting farmers’ livelihoods and Kenya’s food security by dismantling criminal networks involved in the manufacture, adulteration and distribution of counterfeit agricultural inputs.

Counterfeit fertilizers can significantly reduce crop yields, causing significant losses for farmers; on the same note, they can also damage soil quality.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for instant news updates