Tensions are rising between Tanzania and Kenya after Tanzania’s Agriculture Minister Hussein Bashe dismissed Kenyan lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi’s allegations linking fake fertiliser to Tanzania.
In a bold statement issued on Friday, Minister Bashe refuted any claims of Tanzania’s involvement in the fake fertiliser scandal, asserting that his country upholds integrity in its export business practices.
“In the fake fertilizer controversy, Tanzania is not involved. We do not condone fraudulent activities in our trade dealings,” declared Minister Bashe. “Kenya, address your problems using shortcuts and immoral methods without including Tanzania in your mess.”
Lawyer Ahmednasir, on the other hand, persistently pointed fingers at Tanzania, urging the Kenyan government to reveal the true source of the alleged counterfeit fertiliser. In a swift rebuttal to Bashe’s statement, the lawyer challenged the Tanzanian Minister to disclose the origins of the suspect materials.
“Minister, please assist us in locating the quarry that is providing our farmers with sand, pebbles, and goat dung disguised as fertilizer. The key players in Kenya’s scandal must be held accountable,” demanded Ahmednasir.
Ms Esther Ngari, the head of the Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs), was the first to confirm the presence of fake fertiliser in the NCPB stores, denouncing it as substandard and counterfeit during her appearance before the National Assembly Agriculture Committee.
The ongoing fake fertiliser controversy has sent shockwaves through the Ministry of Agriculture, prompting calls for the resignation or removal of Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi. Bumula Member of Parliament Jack Wamboka disclosed that he had amassed 110 signatures from fellow MPs in support of a motion seeking Linturi’s impeachment, citing a history of scandals surrounding the Cabinet Secretary.
