Three Women Arrested as 55 Bags of Subsidised Fertiliser Recovered in Migori

Detectives have arrested three women and recovered 55 bags of government-subsidised fertiliser suspected to have been sold illegally in Migori Township.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the arrests followed a tip-off from members of the public about the suspected illegal sale of the farm inputs.

Acting on the information, detectives from Suna East moved to the Apida area in Suna Central Location, where they reportedly found fertiliser marked “NOT FOR SALE” being offered to buyers.

The fertiliser is part of the government-subsidised agricultural inputs programme, which aims to make farm supplies more affordable to farmers and support food production.

The operation led to the arrest of three suspects identified as Esther Mwera, Emily Akinyi and Elizabeth Kisili.

According to the DCI, the women led detectives to their respective stores after they were questioned. Police subsequently searched the premises and recovered 55 bags of the subsidised fertiliser, which were taken as exhibits.

The suspects were escorted to Migori Police Station alongside the recovered fertiliser and booked pending further police action.

The arrests come amid efforts by law enforcement agencies to curb the suspected diversion and illegal sale of government-subsidised farm inputs intended for farmers.

The fertiliser subsidy programme is designed to reduce production costs for farmers by providing essential agricultural inputs at lower prices. The suspected diversion of such supplies can limit access for the intended beneficiaries and undermine the programme’s objectives.

The DCI commended members of the public for providing information that helped detectives uncover the suspected illegal activity.

The agency urged Kenyans to continue sharing credible information with law enforcement officers to help expose criminal activities and protect public resources.

The three suspects remain subject to the legal process, with further police action expected as investigations continue.