Police hunting a multi-million-shilling fake fertiliser syndicate have detained eight suspects, but the mastermind, popularly known as ‘Kotut,’ remains at large, leaving farmers across the North Rift at risk of receiving counterfeit inputs.
The multi-million-shilling fake fertiliser racket has landed the eight suspects in police custody, with authorities warning that hundreds of farmers in the North Rift could face crop failure if counterfeit supplies reach the fields.
Eldoret Senior Resident Magistrate Daniel Sitati on Tuesday declined to grant bail to the suspects, allowing the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) more time to conclude investigations.
The suspects, arrested three days ago, are being investigated for possession of counterfeit goods contrary to Section 32(b) of the Anti-Counterfeit Act No. 13 of 2008.
The magistrate ordered the suspects to be held at Naiberi Police Station, authorising Inspector Joyce Tunge of the DCI Ainabkoi Sub-County to detain them for seven days to finalise ongoing inquiries.
The accused are Wycliff Mariga Okudi, Samuel Wacha Juma, Vitalis Onduki Obara, Stephen Vigiza Kashera, Patrick Kamboso Munai, Gabriel Walunyo, Daniel Salano, and Kevin Wangila.
A multi-agency team acting on a tip-off raided Kotut Balers Agro Feed at Naiberi Trading Centre in Uasin Gishu County on Saturday, recovering 750 bags of suspected counterfeit fertiliser, destined for distribution across the North, Western, and South Rift regions.
The operation also uncovered a trove of packaging materials and equipment comprising 500 empty OCP-labelled bags, 500 branded DAP bags, 500 wheat bags, three sewing machines, a weighing scale, a moisture meter, 10kg of Nova drying agent and 10.3kg of iron oxide.
The seized consignment is, however, yet to be subjected to forensic analysis at the Government Chemist, which will confirm whether the fertiliser is counterfeit. Inspector Tunge said the investigation is ongoing, with statements from key witnesses still being recorded.
The investigating officer said the suspected mastermind, identified only as “Kotut,” remains at large.
“We are still pursuing the main culprit and are optimistic of bringing him to book. We require more time to record statements from crucial witnesses and arrest the key suspect,” she told the court.
The arrests come at a sensitive time, as farmers in the North Rift begin tilling land and procuring inputs for the planting season. Authorities have warned that counterfeit fertiliser could undermine yields, threatening both livelihoods and regional food security.
“This is a serious threat to farmers and the wider economy. We urge the public to purchase inputs only from verified suppliers,” said Inspector Tunge.
While the prosecution initially requested ten days, the magistrate granted seven. The suspects are expected back in court on March 2, 2026, to take a plea.
