The three prime suspects alleged of the fake fertilizer saga were on Thursday arraigned in court at the Milimani Anti-Corruption.
Joseph Muna Kimote (NCPB MD), John Kiplangat Ngetich (NCPB Corporate Secretary), and John Mbaya Matiri (NCPB Chairman Business committee) on diverse dates between 17th March 2022 and 8th March 2024 had an intent to defraud Kenyan farmers-
sold a total of 139, 688 bags of 25 kg each of soil amendment and conditioner valued at sh. 209,532,000 Million purporting to be genuine fertilizer, a fact they knew was false.
Therefore,they were charged with 10 counts of economic crimes, including conspiracy to defraud, forgery, uttering false documents,
-applying a standardization mark to a commodity -that does not comply with Kenyan standards and abuse of office.
They all pleaded not guilty to the charges and were released on a cash bail of sh. 1 Million or a bond of 3 Million and a surety of a similar amount each.
However,while delivering her ruling, Principal Magistrate Hon.Celesa A. Okore ordered the accused persons to deposit their travel documents with the court –
and to notify the court whenever they intend to travel outside of the court’s jurisdiction.
Consequently,the prosecution through Evelyn Onunga had opposed their release on bail-
citing the seriousness of the offences, the strength of the evidence-
and the severity of the punishment in the event of a conviction.
Meanwhile, the he court ordered Josiah Kariuki Kimani, a suspect who failed to appear in court today-
to attend court on 6th of May 2024 for plea taking failure to which a warrant of arrest will be issued against him.
This is after the Director of Public prosecution(DPP) on Tuesday approved the arrest of and prosecution of several individuals suspected to have been involved in fake fertilizer saga.
However, the he Director of public prosecution filed charges against Josiah Kariuki
-who is the director SBL Innovate Manufacturers Ltd-and fifty-one Capital (K) limited.
According to the DPP,Renson Ingonga will face 5 charges among them forgery,making a document without Authority, and conspiracy to defraud.
Therefore,Kimani was charged with applying standardization mark to a commodity that does not comply with the Kenya standard-
contrary to section 10(6) and 10(8) of the standards Act cap 496 laws of Kenya.
Among other individuals charged include three national cereals and produce board (NCPB) over the fake fertilizer.
Thus, the 4 were charged of conspiracy to defraud and abuse of office contrary to section 46.
“The office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) remains committed to discharging it’s Constitutional Mandate ,upholding and protecting the Public interest ,”DPP stated.
Morever, the he case is scheduled for a pre-trial on 20th May 2024.
