DNK International By Our Correspondent,Eldoret
Detectives from the DCI headquarters have conducted a raid targeting a notorious fertilizer syndicate operating in Uasin Gishu County and environs.
Through an intelligence led operation, the squad arrested key players in the fertilizer cartel led by Elphas Kiptoo Bett and Joshua Kiptum Ngetich who were arrested while repackaging and loading the substandard commodity to some unscrupulous businessmen for onwards sale at market rates.
Other members who were arrested during the raid included Rose Jemeli, Vincent Kibet, Elphas Kipkoech and Lameck Odhiambo.
Over ten 10 loading boys escaped arrest by making desperate gateway through maize plantation.
The simultaneous undercover operation conducted in three (3) separate sites/stashes led to recoveries of over 4,000 bags of government fertilizer, which expired in 2018.
Some of the fertilizer had been altered using a black chemical known as Hyrox Black Oxide to acquire appearance of OCP and Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) fertilizers which are preferred by farmers for planting.
The altered commodity is then repackaged to commercial brands like Elgon Kenya Limited, Turbo and Falcon and sold to unsuspecting farmers.
Other recoveries included over 1,200 branded unbranded empty bags, sewing machine among other apparatus.
The syndicate has been operating with impunity bragging that they have pocketed some police officers in the area.
Notably, the syndicate works in cahoots with known employees from the National Cereals and Produce Board who have been assisting the cartel access the government subsidized fertilizer.
Activities of the cartel not only harms the environment but also undermine the country’s National Food Security.
The operation is among many more active cases by the detectives against fertilizer cartels.
[DNK-International@July 25,2026]
