By Shadrack Nyakoe
Josiah Kariuki Kimani, Director of SBL Innovate Manufacturers LTD and Fifty-One Capital (K) Limited, was charged Monday in the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court for allegedly manufacturing, distributing, and selling substandard fertilizer.
He was charged with 7 counts, including conspiracy to defraud, forgery, uttering false documents, applying a standardization mark to a commodity that does not comply with Kenyan standards and others.
He pleaded not guilty to all the charges. The prosecution through Robert Ogallo opposed his release on bail, citing that the accused’s life might be in danger and also taking into account the seriousness of the offenses.
It is alleged that on 12th January, 2023, at an unknown location within the country, jointly with others not before court with intent to deceive Kenya Bureau of Standards Nakuru Region offices, forged an agreement, namely value-adding soil amendment and conditioner to organic fertilizer and animal supplement, purporting it to be a genuine, valid agreement signed between SBL Innovate Manufacturers Ltd and African Diatomite Industries Limited.
The accused will remain in police custody until Principal Magistrate Celesa A. Okore delivers her ruling on Tuesday, 7th May 2024.
Read also:- https://corporatewatch.co.ke/miano-linturi-to-appear-before-senate-over-fake-fertilizer-probe/