Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has defended Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi amidst ongoing investigations into fake fertilizer seized by the police in the country.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Mwaura said Linturi is not directly implicated in the controversy, suggesting that calls for his resignation are premature.
“It’s a stretch. There’s no evidence linking him to this issue; he’s not involved. Investigations are still underway, and Minister Linturi is fully committed to fulfilling his duties,” Mwaura said.
He hinted at a possible plot by certain political opponents to sabotage the government’s efforts to provide farmers with subsidized fertilizer.
Mwaura said that initial tests conducted by the Kenya Bureau of Standards on the counterfeit fertilizers indicated that they were separate from the supplies distributed under the subsidy program through the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB).
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He further emphasized that farmers in 45 counties have received fertilizers from NCPB depots, and none have reported receiving counterfeit products.
He reiterated that fertilizers distributed under the Government Subsidized program are clearly labeled as such and marked “Not for Resale.”
“Let me clarify that investigations are ongoing regarding the alleged distribution of fake fertilizers to farmers, aimed at identifying those responsible for the scam.”
Meanwhile, Linturi and his Trade counterpart Rebecca Miano and other stakeholders are scheduled to appear before the Senate on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, to address allegations surrounding the distribution of counterfeit fertilizer in government depots.
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