Subsidized Government Maize Worth KSh5 Million Stolen In Mombasa

Detectives in Mombasa are investigating the stealing of subsidized government maize worth KSh5 million.

The maize which was more than 1,220 90-kg bags was stolen while being transported to Eldoret.

The thieves got access to the trucks which was transporting the goods when the drivers parked the trucks at a yard because it was late and they were ruing out of fuel, according to a senior police officer.

See Also: Increased Food Prices: Kenyans Cross The Border To Uganda To Buy Sugar And Unga

The officer which sort anonymity said the police believe it was a well-plaed operation. A suspect has been arrested and is assisting police with investigations.

“This was a well-calculated crime. The trucks were driven at midnight, dumped several meters away and the maize off-loaded to waiting trucks which we are yet to trace,” said the officer.

Changamwe DCI boss Francis Wanjahu said the suspect will give detectives information that will help them arrest those behind the theft.

He noted the drivers may have colluded with suspects including the manager of the truck yard to commit the crime.

“We are very optimistic… all those involved will be brought to book. We have good leads,” he said.

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Willy Bett and other relevant authorities are yet to comment on the theft as the probe into the matter continues.

The subsidized government maize is thought to be part of the 1.2 million bags imported to help cushion the country’s severe Unga shortage.

Read Also: Kenya Set To Import Maize From Zambia: Everything You Need To Know

In June, Zambia opened talks with Kenyan grain traders for the export of maize to the country to plug a deficit.

It was reported on Monday that Zambia will now export a large quantity of maize to three east African countries, with the bulk of that grain going to Kenya.

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