Maize cartels under fire over graft war

The Government is finally training its guns on maize cartels who profiteered from the scandal at National Cereals and Produce Board.

The cry and protests by maize farmers have been loud, attracting the attention of President Uhuru Kenyatta, who only last week publicly gave a tongue lashing to his Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri to either act, and do so swiftly, or face the consequences over the scandal.

Mr Kiunjuri yesterday asked Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to immediately commence the prosecution of those who have been receiving undue payments that should have gone to farmers.
He revealed that 152 people, mainly NCPB officials and unscrupulous traders, were under investigation and faced possible prosecution.

Kiunjuri pleaded his innocence, saying the bulk of the contentious payments were made while he had not assumed the docket.

“If I will be implicated in the scandal, then I will resign,” said Kiunjuri. The Cabinet Secretary said those who orchestrated the scandal must be prosecuted to bring  closure an issue that has caused farmers pain and anguish.

During a Press briefing at his Kilimo House yesterday, Kiunjuri blamed the investigative arms, EACC and DCI, over the “slow manner” in which they had handled the mega scandal. He  complained that months after the matter came to the limelight, those responsible had not been prosecuted.

Kiunjuri added: “I urge the EACC and the DCI, I wish I could direct you, to expedite this process in compliance with the President’s directive for the truth to come out and to clear the cloud surrounding this matter.”

The CS, who has suffered the humiliation of the President’s dress-down over the scandal, said those who held office before him should take responsibility. Willy Bett was the Agriculture Cabinet Secretary before Kiunjuri.

During his tenure, he said, only Sh2.4 billion has been paid. However, he also revealed that the amount was also under probe to ascertain how it was released since by then there was a fleece on payments until the underlying issues were resolved.

During his tenure, he said, only Sh2.4 billion has been paid. However, he also revealed that the amount was also under probe to ascertain how it was released since by then there was a fleece on payments until the underlying issues were resolved.

Kiunjuri said NCPB started receiving maize from farmers on October 16, last year, before his appointment as CS last January 28. Payments, he added, were made from October last year, to February this year, days after he came to the ministry.

Kiunjuri was castigated by Uhuru during Mashujaa Day celebrations in Kakamega for failing to spearhead the arrest and prosecution of those who profited from the scandal.

The visibly angry Head of State told the CS to ensure the culprits faced justice, or carry the cross, a statement interpreted by many as telling Kiunjuri to take the political responsibility.

An internal audit conducted at NCPB, which was later tabled in Parliament, indicated that silo managers ignored basic regulations on maize purchase.

The report showed how traders, assisted by NCPB officers at the depots, infiltrated the process, and had documents altered in their favour (traders).

[BUSINESS] Uhuru strikes at the heart of maize cartels: Agriculture CS calls for action as he sends documents implicating suspects in scam to anti-graft agency and DCI for the second time. https://t.co/wdcTfK9YcN

— Breaking News (@News_Kenya) October 24, 2018

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