Kagwe warns of food crisis after Maua depot looting

The ruins of Maua NCPB depot following an arson attack during June 25 memorial protests.  [Courtesy]

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has warned that looting and vandalism at the National Cereals and Produce Board depot in Maua, Meru County could spark a food crisis.
In a statement on Friday, June 27, Kagwe said the theft of more than 7,354 bags of fertiliser worth 29.5 million shillings threatens national food security during the current planting season.
“This fertiliser is a vital input for farmers across the region. Its loss threatens to trigger a catastrophic crisis for both food crop and cash crop production,” noted Kagwe.
The fertiliser was looted during protests marking the first anniversary of Gen Z demonstrations against the 2024 finance bill.

Police officers assessing damage at National Cereals and Produce Board depot in Maua, Meru County [ courtesy]

Kagwe said the looting was a direct attack on the country’s ability to feed itself.
“The attack on the NCPB depot is not just a property crime. It is a direct assault on Kenya’s food security,” said Kagwe, adding,  “This reckless act jeopardises farmers' ability to grow food, feed their families and support the national economy.”
Kagwe asked the National Police Service to arrest those involved and recover the stolen fertiliser.
“Those who rob, destroy and loot critical public installations such as the NCPB are not demonstrators, they are criminals and anarchists,  and they must be treated as such,” said Kagwe.
He warned that hijacking of peaceful protests for looting risks undermining democratic rights.
“Just as brutality and loss of life are unacceptable, so too is the wanton destruction of public property and theft of critical agricultural inputs,” he added