Farmers want State officers in Sh500m National Cereals and Produce Board saga probed

By MOSES NYAMORI

Kenya: Farmers in the North Rift want proper investigations into the Sh500 million arbitration award to Erad Suppliers Ltd that has crippled operations of the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB).

This follows revelations to the Public Investment Committee yesterday that powerful people in Government were behind the Sh500 million award against the grain supplier.

Kenya Farmers Association director Kipkorir Menjo said the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) should swing into action and probe the State officials negatively mentioned in a letter whose author is yet to be interrogated.

“We want EACC to probe those adversely mentioned in the letter to ensure those with similar intentions do not engage in such acts that have grounded farming activities,” said Menjo.

He further said those found to be behind the woes of the board will face the full force of the law. He added that the national grain reserve had its operations grounded therefore crippling this season’s farming activities.

“Those found responsible should be prosecuted and those still holding public office be ejected,” added the director.

Moiben lawmaker Silas Tiren in a past function faulted the High Court for allowing Erad to freeze accounts of NCPB until the latter pays the Sh500 million owed.