A dramatic police operation in Meru County saw officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) intercept a lorry carrying 150 bags of suspected government-subsidised fertiliser, with the driver escaping under tense circumstances.
The incident occurred along the Meru–Mikinduri road, where officers on mobile patrol noticed a suspicious lorry, an Isuzu FRR with registration number KDC 091M. Despite being flagged down, the driver refused to stop, prompting a pursuit. The officers eventually managed to block the lorry near the Mukinduri area in Tigania East sub-county.
The driver, identified as Tonny Mwenda, was directed to drive the vehicle to the Meru Police Station for further inspection. However, upon arrival at the station, the driver refused to open the lorry. When instructed to park the vehicle in the station yard, he suddenly jumped out and fled on foot, managing to evade capture.
Authorities believe the fertiliser could be part of the subsidised supply meant for distribution to farmers through official government channels. Preliminary investigations suggest the possibility of theft or misappropriation within the supply chain. The conduct of the driver, especially his decision to flee from police and abandon the vehicle, has raised serious questions about the origin and intended destination of the consignment.
The police have launched an intensive manhunt for Mwenda and are working to identify the owner of the lorry. Detectives are also trying to establish whether the vehicle or the consignment has been linked to other similar incidents in the region.
The impounded lorry and fertiliser are being held at the Meru Police Station as investigations continue. Officials are reviewing registration details and supply records to trace the fertiliser’s source. The police have not ruled out the possibility of a broader criminal network diverting government inputs for illegal resale.
This incident has reignited concerns about the integrity of subsidised input distribution programmes. Cases of fertiliser diversion have previously been reported in various counties, undermining efforts to support farmers and improve food security.
Authorities have vowed to crack down on individuals and syndicates exploiting government subsidy programmes for personal gain. In the meantime, members of the public with information about the driver or suspicious activities related to fertiliser distribution are being urged to come forward.
As investigations progress, the case is expected to shed light on systemic weaknesses in the handling and tracking of government-subsidised agricultural inputs, potentially prompting policy reviews or enforcement measures.
