Fertilizer Scandal: NCPB Trio Charged with Farmer Fraud Plot
Three senior officials of the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) appeared in court, facing charges before the Anti-Corruption Magistrate.
NCPB’s Managing Director Joseph Muna Kimote, Corporate Secretary John Kiplangat Ngetich, and General Marketing Manager John Mbaya Matiri pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiring to defraud farmers by selling 139,688 bags of 25 kg fertilizer worth over Ksh. 209 million, falsely claiming it was genuine, which the prosecution argues the accused knew to be untrue.
The three officials also face charges of abuse of office.
The prosecution is against their bail release, arguing that ongoing investigations might be compromised due to the accused persons’ potential interference with witnesses, evidence suppression, or tampering, particularly with their subordinates in the office.
The court was informed that Joseph Kariuki Kimani, the primary accused, had avoided arrest and switched off his phones.
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The prosecution expressed concern that Kimani’s evasion creates a risk of him fleeing the court.
Katwa Kigen, Danstan Omari, Sam Nyaberi, and Shadrack Wamboi are among the lawyers representing the three accused and intend to contest the prosecution’s request.
The defense argues that investigations are complete, referencing a press release from the ODPP, and noting that inquiries have been ongoing for at least three months.
Lawyer Omari emphasized the need for proof, such as booked air tickets, to demonstrate a risk of the accused absconding, none of which has been provided.
Furthermore, the defense highlighted that the three are public officers with stable homes and significant professional responsibilities.
Fertilizer Scandal: NCPB Trio Charged with Farmer Fraud Plot