The High Court has granted fertilizer manufacturer-Silica Booster Limited CEO Josiah Kimani Kariuki anticipatory bail following rumours of his intended arrest over the fake fertilizer scandal.
Justice Diana Kavedza granted the businessman Sh 100, 000 bail and restrained the police from arresting or detaining him until further orders are issued by the court.
The court also directed his lawyer Danstan Omari to escort him to the DCI offices for questioning and/or interrogation within seven days.
“For avoidance of doubt, the respondents are at liberty to investigate or charge the applicant for any criminal conduct, However, they shall not detain or arrest him,” the judge ruled.
Through a certificate of urgency, the court heard that there have been reports of Kariuki’s impending arrest on suspicion that he is the one who has been distributing the fake fertilizer.
This is despite his products having been approved by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).
Omari told the court that there is a scheme by fertilizer barons to edge out genuine competition by enhancing monopoly within the country.
The court heard that SBL has grown in just two years to gain the confidence and loyalty of large-scale farmers in the country.
In addition, SBL has a marketing company namely Fify One Capital Limited through which it has an agency relationship with the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB).
