The controversy surrounding the distribution of fake fertilizers in Homa Bay County has escalated following the discovery of 107 bags by the National Assembly’s Committee on Agriculture.

 

Led by Nyando MP Jared Okello, alongside his counterparts Geoffrey Odanga from Matayos and Peter Salasya from Mumias East, the Committee unearthed this batch during a visit to the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depot on Saturday, April 27, 2024. Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga accompanied the Committee during the inspection.

 

“We have confirmed that fake fertilizers were brought into Homa Bay. This revelation came after a farmer reported purchasing six bags of the counterfeit fertilizers,” Okello stated.

 

Expressing concern, Okello noted that despite 63 bags of GPC fertilizer being sold in Homa Bay, only one farmer, who acquired six bags, lodged a complaint about their authenticity.

 

“It is clear that fake fertilizers are present in this NCPB depot. I urge farmers who have purchased counterfeit fertilizers to come forward and report,” Okello urged.

 

 

The Committee investigating the fake fertilizer scandal has announced plans to compile a comprehensive report that will shed light on the extent of infiltration of fake fertilizers in NCPB depots and farms nationwide.

 

Speaking on behalf of the Committee, Salasya stated that the findings of the report would also weigh heavily on the potential impeachment of Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi.

 

“When we summoned CS Linturi, he claimed ignorance about the presence of fake fertilizers. Today, we have uncovered them in NCPB depots. Our investigations are ongoing, and our report will recommend the appropriate actions regarding his role,” Salasya emphasized.

 

Meanwhile, Governor Wanga expressed her concerns about Homa Bay receiving fewer bags of fertilizers than recommended.

 

According to Wanga, Homa Bay has a registered count of 245,000 farmers who should have received 165 million bags. However, the county only received 23,000 bags, raising questions about the distribution process.

 

By James Omoro