Mithika Linturi To Address African Union Summit On Ferliliser Amid Scandal, Sparks Reactions

• CS for Agriculture Mithika Linturi is set to speak at the Africa Fertiliser and Soil Health Summit 2024, slated to take place at KICC, Nairobi
• Over 100 Members of Parliament signed a petition to impeach CS Linturi following allegations of his role in the distribution of fake fertiliser to Kenyan farmers
• Kenyans took to social media to express their discontent with CS Linturi's involvement in the summit, questioning the credibility of his role given the ongoing impeachment proceedings

Elijah Ntongai, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, has more than three years of financial, business, and technology research expertise, providing insights into Kenyan and global trends.

CS for Agriculture Mithika Linturi has announced that he will be speaking at the Africa Fertiliser and Soil Health Summit 2024 at KICC, Nairobi.

The primary aim of the summit is to underscore the pivotal significance of fertiliser and soil health in fostering inclusive productivity growth within African agriculture.

Why CS Linturi's announcement sparked reactions

CS Linturi made the announcement through his X platform account, sparking numerous reactions from many Kenyans.

The reactions expressed scepticism and disbelief among Kenyans who satirically questioned Linturi's capacity to speak at the fertiliser summit.

Many based the criticism of the CS on his alleged involvement in the fake fertiliser scandal that was distributed through stores controlled by the Ministry of Agriculture.

More than 100 MPs signed a petition to impeach CS Linturi over his alleged involvement in the fake fertiliser scandal.

The lawmakers, upon approval of the censure motion, formed a committee of 11 members from Azimio and the Kenya Kwanza alliance to begin a probe into allegations against Linturi.

On Friday, May 3, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) summoned and grilled embattled Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi over the fake fertiliser scandal.

How Kenyans reacted to Linturi's post on X

Owing to the fake fertiliser scandal, Kenyans reactions expressed dissatisfaction with the CS's role in the upcoming Africa Fertiliser and Soil Health Summit from May 7 to 9, 2024.

@Egline_Samoei said:

"Africa Fertiliser Summit, whereas Kenyan Farmers were sold fake fertiliser under his watch? @_AfricanUnion kuweni serious kidogo (be a bit serious)."

@muthoni_njakwe said:

"Is this a joke or what?"

@Wekesa_Wabwire said:

"Sir, you can't tell us anything about fertiliser unless you want to speak to us about the fake fertilisers."

@Kuimashaah said:

"I love the audacity."

@Camundih said:

"Who will listen to this guy talk about fertilisers? @_AfricanUnion cannot be serious! But that's African leaders for you."

@eduzmi said:

"With a pending criminal case and an ongoing impeachment process? Shame on you @_AfricanUnion. Folks ought to line up the streets leading to the venue with placards detailing your crimes."

@Commonmundu said:

"Very embarrassing that you will be attending a function discussing an issue you have terribly failed Kenyans, as the CS in charge."

Fake fertiliser scandal in Kenya

Earlier on TUKO.co.ke, Kenyan farmers expressed concerns about the presence of counterfeit fertilisers being sold at NCPB stores, raising issues of product quality and authenticity.

President William Ruto's administration admitted the existence of fake fertiliser across the country, jeopardising its subsidy programme.

CS Linturi dismissed the impeachment motion by MPs, saying their criteria for determining the standard of the fertiliser is questionable.