An Eldoret court has allowed police to detain five suspects for five days as investigations continue into more than 4,000 bags of suspected fake fertiliser seized in Uasin Gishu County.
Chief Magistrate Peter Ndwiga directed that the suspects be held at Kamukunji Police Station to allow officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to complete investigations.
The magistrate issued the order after investigating officer Mogire Mogaka filed an application seeking to detain the suspects for two weeks. The court instead granted police five days.
"I am investigating a case of conspiracy to commit a felony contrary to Section 393 of the Penal Code and sabotage contrary to Section 343 of the Penal Code, reported at Soy police station vide OB No. 25/25/07/2026," Mogaka told the court.
Mogaka told the court that on Saturday, July 25, some of the suspects were arrested at Kabenes location in Soy Subcounty in connection with allegations of repackaging expired fertiliser for distribution and sale to farmers.
He said one of the suspects owned the homestead where the alleged repackaging was taking place.
The court heard that about 4,000 bags of fertiliser were recovered during the operation.
Mogaka further told the court that members of the public, together with some of the suspects, allegedly became rowdy and obstructed police officers from carrying out their duties, making the operation difficult.
"Their actions are prejudicial to the country's economy and the agricultural sector, as unsuspecting farmers are induced to purchase fake and expired fertiliser," he said.
The investigating officer said police required more time because samples of the recovered fertiliser were yet to be submitted to the Kenya Bureau of Standards, the Government Chemist and the Anti-Counterfeit Authority for analysis and authentication.
He added that investigations were ongoing and detectives were pursuing other suspects believed to be linked to the alleged repackaging and distribution network.
"Statements are yet to be recorded from witnesses, including farmers suspected to have purchased the fake or repackaged fertiliser," Mogaka said.
He further told the court that two of the suspects allegedly fled from their homes when police attempted to arrest them.
"A total of 84 bags of repackaged fake fertiliser were recovered from their homesteads. They were subsequently traced and arrested in Eldoret CBD," he said.
Mogaka argued that releasing the suspects at this stage would prejudice investigations, saying they could interfere with witnesses, destroy evidence or evade arrest.
Magistrate Ndwiga ordered that the suspects remain in custody and be produced in court on Friday.
