The County Government of Laikipia has responded after reports of the arrest of popular apple farmer Peter Wambugu of Wambugu Apple Farm circulated widely on social media.
In the reports, the farmer who has been in the trade for 36 years had allegedly been detained over non-payment of license fees.
Outrage ensued online following a post by his son, alleging that he had been harassed by the county officials for simply going about his apple business.
In a statement seen by Kenyans.co.ke, the county revenue board confirmed that the farmer was arrested but under different circumstances.
The official explained the county had reviewed the Finance Act to include the imposition of levies and as such the revenue board officers went and invoiced the farm.
Due to the nature of the implementation and information flow, a waiver was given for a period of one month beginning April 15 to April 30, 2021.
"On 17 May 2021, our officers from Laikipia County Revenue Board went for a check-up in Ngobit Ward and noted that Wambugu farm had not honoured the invoice and a bond was issued on grounds of non-payment.
"On issuance of the bond, Mr. Peter Wambugu, his two sons, and his employees turned hostile and assaulted the officers who were on duty. Our officers reported the assault case at Ngobit Police station," the officer disclosed.
The county official added that Wambugu did not honour police requests to avail himself at the police station to record a statement and was arrested on Wednesday, May 19.
"We wish to clarify that, the amount charged for the Single Business Permit is for the commercial business being operated in his farm i.e. selling of seedlings and not cess deeds as alleged by Peter Wambugu," the county added.
The county noted that the information that had circulated of the circumstances of his arrest were non-factual, false and sought to malign the Laikipia County Revenue Board.
Wambugu was later released on Ksh10,000 cash bail.
