Eight Arrested Over Fertilizer Theft at NCPB Depot in Maua

MERU, Kenya — Eight suspects have been arrested in connection with the theft of government-subsidized fertilizer from the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depot in Maua, Meru County. The incident occurred during the nationwide protests held on June 25.

According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), 63 bags of fertilizer and eight bags of cement were recovered in an intelligence-led operation in Maua Township and Luluma village, Makiri area. Authorities also impounded a Toyota Probox (registration KCW 822T) and three motorcycles (KMFS 106Q, KMFY 687H, and KMFM 529E) believed to have been used to transport the stolen goods.

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe confirmed that a total of 7,354 bags of fertilizer—each weighing 50kg and valued at Kshs. 29.5 million—were looted from the depot. He condemned the act, warning that such thefts pose a serious threat to Kenya’s food security.

“This was a direct assault on our farmers and national food production efforts. Those who loot public installations are not protesters; they are criminals and must face the law,” Kagwe said.

The fertilizer heist is part of a wider pattern of looting and destruction of property reported across the country during the protests. The demonstrations were held in memory of victims of last year’s deadly protests against the 2024 Finance Bill.

Protesters also raised concerns over escalating police brutality, extrajudicial killings, and the need for greater government accountability. Inspector General Japhet Koome has faced mounting pressure to investigate police conduct during the protests, with human rights groups calling for urgent reforms.