EXPOSED: Fertilizer Donation Scam—Did Kenya Sell Russia’s Gift to Its Farmers?

A storm is brewing in the political arena after explosive claims by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua that the government sold fertilizer donated by Russia instead of giving it freely to struggling Kenyan farmers. The revelations have added fuel to mounting concerns over corruption and betrayal in the very corridors of power.

Speaking in a tell-all interview on KTN, Gachagua alleged that 40,000 metric tonnes of fertilizer, a donation from the Russian government, was handed to private entities connected to President William Ruto’s allies—who then blended, packaged, and sold it back to the government, ultimately profiting billions.

“The Russian government gave us 40,000 metric tonnes of fertilizer as a donation. It was given to Maisha Minerals by the president and another 30 tonnes were given to these men, who blended and sold to the government,” Gachagua revealed.

He didn’t stop there. He named key players: “The president gave it to Maisha Millers, Devki—his friend—blended, packed, and sold to the Kenyan government; they pocketed billions of shillings,” he said.

The accusations echo earlier sentiments by opposition leader Raila Odinga, who had raised the red flag as early as 2023, stating: “They were given the fertilizer for free by the Russian government, then sold it at Ksh.2,500. Where did that money go?”

The fertilizer in question, which was meant to lower the cost of agricultural production and ease the burden on farmers, had been hailed as a game-changer by the Kenya Kwanza administration. Shortly after taking office in 2022, President Ruto had promised to reduce fertilizer prices from Ksh.6,500 to Ksh.3,500—eventually hitting Ksh.2,500 in 2023 after the Russian consignment arrived.

But what was touted as a relief package may have been a smokescreen.

A Government in Denial?

During the storm that engulfed Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi and the rising public outcry, President Ruto denied the existence of any scam. “We have supplied fertilizer that is scientifically tailored for all the soils in the region… Those telling us we have sold sand or soils, it is because they believe in voodoo. We believe in science,” the President claimed on September 11, 2023.

Despite the President’s deflection, public confidence has been shaken. The silence from key state institutions, coupled with political infighting, has left Kenyans with more questions than answers.

As the scandal continues to unfold, one thing is certain: someone got rich while Kenyan farmers continued to toil under the burden of overpriced inputs.

The call for transparency and accountability has never been louder. If true, this scam is not just an abuse of trust, but a direct stab in the back to the very people who put food on our tables.

In other news:Farouk Kibet: The Man Who Runs Kenya From the Shadows

EXPOSED: Fertilizer Donation Scam—Did Kenya Sell Russia’s Gift to Its Farmers?