Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, speaking on Saturday, March 23, refuted claims of fake fertilizers confiscated by detectives in Kakamega.
Addressing attendees at a burial held at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Mumias, Barasa dismissed the allegations as false and aimed at tarnishing the county's reputation.
The governor emphasized that these unfounded accusations would not deter him from fulfilling his development agenda for the people of Kakamega County.
Barasa asserted that the rumours of fake fertilizer in Kakamega were being propagated by detractors seeking to smear his name through social media platforms.
“Retrogressive statements by the naysayers on our farm inputs and blackmail on social media drama won't stop our development agenda for the people of Kakamega County,” Barasa stated.
While issuing the clarification, Barasa called on all farmers to disregard the rumours and instead prepare for the planting season.
In addition, he encouraged the residents of Mumias to uphold the values of love, kindness, endurance, and generosity, mirroring those exemplified by his departed friend, George Odongo Ogola.
Barasa's remarks come amidst controversy, just four days after detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) seized 700 bags of counterfeit fertilizer from a depot in Malava, Kakamega County.
Subsequently, detectives collected a sample of the suspected fake fertilizer for analysis to determine its exact composition.
Following this revelation, local farmers expressed their concerns and demanded answers from the county government, alleging fraud and extortion by the county administration.
Similarly, on March 23, detectives intercepted 560 bags of suspected illicit fertiliser, at the Molo National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) stores.
According to the multi-agency team, the impounded fertiliser was estimated to be worth Ksh1.4 million.
