By Dorothy Musyoka
The Milimani Anti-Corruption Court has placed two former National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) officials, a businessman, and two companies over allegations of defrauding the public through the sale of substandard fertilizer valued at Ksh. 209 million.
The ruling followed the Prosecution’s successful establishment of a prima facie case, marking a significant milestone in the fight against economic crimes spearheaded by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and criminal justice system.
Those placed on defence include:
- Joseph Kiplangat Ngetich, former NCPB Corporate Secretary
- John Mbaya Matiri, former Chair of the Business Development and Advisory Committee
- Josiah Kariuki Kimani, businessman
- Fifty-One Capitals Limited
- SBL Innovate Manufacturers
According to the ODPP, the accused face charges of conspiracy to defraud the public between March 2022 and March 2024.
“They face charges of conspiracy to defraud the public by passing off soil amendments and conditioners as fertilizer between March 2022 and March 2024,” stated the ODPP.
Additionally, Mr. Kimani and his companies face multiple counts, including forgery, uttering false documents, unlawfully applying a standardization mark to non-compliant commodities and using misleading labels in the sale of fertilizer.
“The court heard that forged documents were used to deceive the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), including falsifying agreements and altering permits,” noted the ODPP.
“Prosecution also demonstrated that Ngetich and Matiri abused their offices at NCPB by improperly conferring benefits to Mr. Kimani through the execution of agency contracts,” added the ODPP.
Meanwhile, the court acquitted former NCPB Managing Director, Joseph Muna Kimote, citing insufficient evidence against him.
The Prosecution was led by Everlyn Onunga, Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions. The matter is scheduled for mention on October 16, 2025, to confirm the defence’s position.