CS Linturi under scrutiny as staff quizzed over Sh209 million fake fertiliser scandal
At least 10 staff at the Ministry of Agriculture’s procurement department have recorded statements with the DCI over the Sh 209 million fake fertiliser scandal.
The 10 have been recording their statements with investigators from the DCI Economic and Commercial Crimes Unit (ECCU) since last Friday.
The staff were questioned on the tendering and procurement at Kilimo house.
The procurement officials were summoned to appear before the DCI investigators last week.
They were also directed to provide documents relating to the procurement of the fertiliser in an effort to unravel how farmers were supplied with soil conditioner disguised as organic fertiliser.
Sources familiar with the investigations on Monday told the Nation that focus has now shifted to senior officials at the Ministry who include the PS and Cabine Secretary Mithika Linturi.
Linturi recently survived a bid to impeach him by Parliament over the fertiliser scandal.
Read: Questions over Sh12 billion looted in State fertiliser gravy train
A select committee formed to investigate him after majority of MPs had voted for the motion ruled there was no evidence of wrong doing against the minister.
The committee also rejected attempts to have the PS testify.
In the ongoing DCI probe,the CS and PS are, however, not being treated as suspects at this point of the investigations.
Detectives at the ECCU have so far questioned about 15 officials from Kilimo house and Government ware house in Nairobi and Mombasa.
Also lined up for questioning are Kenya Bureau of Standards staff who inspected the fertiliser before it was released to farmers.
“We are still analysing the statements recorded so far before we can decide on whom else will records a statement,“ said a senior official familiar with the investigations.
Businessman Josiah Kariuki Kimani has denied seven charges leveled against him arising from claims his two companies supplied soil disguised as fertiliser. He was arraigned before a Nairobi court.
Read: From frogs, rats to fake fertiliser… We are 60 years in the sleaze valley
The prosecution alleged that Kariuki, together with others not before the court, conspired to deceive Kenya Bureau of Standard Nakuru officers.
The court heard that Kariuki , forged an agreements of value-adding soil amendment and conditioner to organic fertilizer and animal supplement purporting it to be genuine and valid agreements signed between his companies and KBS.
He was also accused of forging a standardization mark number 14617 in the name of 51 Capital. African Diatomite K limited purporting it to be genuine standardisation mark by KBS.
Three senior officials at the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) have also been arrested and charged in court over the distribution of sub-standard fertiliser.
Managing Director Joseph Kimote, Corporate Secretary John Ng’etich and Marketing boss John Matiri were arrested by DCI investigators and locked up after DPP approved their prosecution.
DPP Renson Ingoga at the time said in a statement said the three would be charged alongside senior officials from private firms involved in the distribution of the fertilizer.
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Comedies
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.