DCI Arrests Alleged Suspects Behind Ksh29 Million Fertilizer Heist
Police have arrested eight people suspected of stealing a government cereal store and fleeing with fertiliser worth over Ksh29 million.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) reported that an intelligence-led operation resulted in the arrest of eight people.
They also found 63 bags of government fertiliser stolen during the June 25 demonstrations.
During the operation, the authorities apprehended one motor vehicle, a silver Probox, and three motorcycles suspected to have been utilized to transport the stolen goods.
“The operation also led to the seizure of one motor vehicle, a silver Probox with registration number withheld, and three motorcycles, believed to have been used to transport the stolen goods,” a police report read in part.
“Additionally, eight bags of cement were recovered along with the stolen fertiliser.”
POLICE SWOOP NETS 22, RECOVERS STOLEN FERTILISER IN COORDINATED CRACKDOWN
— DCI KENYA (@DCI_Kenya) June 30, 2025
An intelligence-led operation conducted in Luluma Village, Makiri area, and Maua Township by law enforcement officers from Igembe South Sub-County has resulted in the arrest of eight suspects and the… pic.twitter.com/uE4YvwCv7Q
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe stated in a statement on Friday, June 27, that government warehouses had been vandalised and fertiliser worth Ksh29 million had been stolen.
He described the crime as a “direct assault on Kenya’s food security,” pointing out that the stolen supplies were intended to help farmers during the important ongoing planting season.
“The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development unequivocally condemns the vandalism and looting of the NCPB depot in Maua, Meru County, on June 25, 2025,” Kagwe stated.
During the looting, footage shared online shows residents lifting sacks of fertiliser from the depot, appearing to take advantage of the turmoil caused by protestors.
The footage later showed a piece of the depot on fire as the situation threatened to turn violent. Notably, authorities were nowhere to be found in the footage.
Meanwhile, in Malindi, Kilifi County, 14 people were captured after a forensic study linked them to property vandalism during the recent protests.
All of the suspects are currently in jail and are being processed prior to their arraignment.
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According to the police report, authorities are following up on new leads in order to catch other individuals and recover looted valuables.
Over the weekend, the DCI arrested more than 10 people suspected of being responsible for the property destruction and mayhem witnessed during the protests.
Human rights organizations, however, have criticized the arrests.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) alleged that the three were arrested on false allegations and requested unconditional release.
DCI Arrests Alleged Suspects Behind Ksh29 Million Fertilizer Heist
