Govt Spokesman Mwaura Defends CS Linturi In Fake Fertilizer Scandal

Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has stepped forward to defend Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi amidst mounting pressure for his resignation.

Mwaura insists that Linturi is not directly implicated in the controversy surrounding the seized counterfeit fertilizer.

He emphasized that ongoing investigations are yet to provide any evidence linking Linturi to the issue.

Mwaura hinted at a possible political agenda behind the accusations, suggesting a plot to undermine the government’s efforts in providing farmers with subsidized fertilizer.

According to him, initial tests by the Kenya Bureau of Standards indicated that the counterfeit products were not part of the subsidized supplies distributed by the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB).

Furthermore, Mwaura highlighted that farmers in 45 counties who received fertilizers from NCPB depots have not reported any incidents of receiving counterfeit products.

He reiterated that the fertilizers under the government-subsidized program are clearly labeled and marked “Not for Resale.”

However, Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi and Trade counterpart Rebecca Miano, alongside other stakeholders, are set to appear before the Senate on April 10th to address the allegations.

Senator James Murango, Chairperson of the Senate Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries Committee, announced plans for a committee visit to several counties to apprehend perpetrators.

The summoned entities include the National Cereals and Produce Board, Kenya Bureau of Standards, National Environment Management Authority, and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.