Kagwe reveals fertiliser worth Ksh29.5M was looted during June 25 protests
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has strongly condemned the vandalism and looting of the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depot in Maua, Meru County, which occurred during the recent protests on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.
According to Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, the destruction and theft of agricultural inputs threaten Kenya’s food security and must be treated as a serious crime.
In a press statement released on Friday, June 27, 2025, Kagwe was unequivocal in his denunciation of the incident.
“We must never confuse democratic rights with anarchy,” he said, stressing that “peaceful demonstrations are being hijacked by criminals.”
He further emphasised that those involved in robbing, destroying, and looting public facilities such as the NCPB depot are not genuine protesters but criminals and anarchists, and they must be treated as such.
What was looted
He said the looted property includes over 7,354 bags of fertiliser, each weighing 50 kilograms, valued at more than Ksh29.5 million.
Kagwe explained that the fertiliser was intended to support farmers during the current planting season in the region. He warned that the loss of such critical agricultural inputs could trigger a “catastrophic crisis for both food crop and cash crop production,” undermining efforts to feed families and bolster the national economy.
“The attack on the National Cereals and Produce Board depot is not just a property crime; it is a direct assault on Kenya’s food security,” the Cabinet Secretary said.
Action against looters
He urged the National Police Service to act swiftly to apprehend those responsible for the looting, recover the stolen fertilizer, and ensure they are prosecuted by the law.
Kagwe highlighted that these acts of destruction and theft undermine the legitimacy of peaceful protests.
“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 noted, calling for respect for both democratic space and national assets.
The CS said that the statement serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding Kenya’s agricultural sector during times of political unrest. With the planting season underway, the fertiliser lost in the looting was vital for farmers’ productivity, directly impacting food availability and economic stability in the affected areas.
“Let us protect our democracy so that we would not deteriorate to anarchy. I appeal for restraint and respect for public property as the country continues to navigate challenging times,” read the statement.
Kagwe said the incident adds to growing concerns about the impact of recent protests on Kenya’s economy and social fabric. He underscores the urgent need for law enforcement and government agencies to work together to prevent further damage to key sectors and ensure accountability for those behind such destructive acts.
