Businessman released on Sh5m bond
A Nairobi court yesterday released businessman Josiah Kariuki accused of conspiring to defraud Kenyans Sh209 million fake fertiliser on bond of Sh5 million.
Milimani Anti-Corruption magistrate Celesa Okore ordered Kariuki who has denied the charges of conspiracy to defraud, and forgery among other charges to be released on Sh 5 million bond or a cash bail of Sh 2 million pending the hearing and determination of the case.
Kariuki is the CEO of Silica Booster Limited Innovate Manufacturers (SBL).
The magistrate directed the prosecution to supply the defence with all documentary evidence it intends to use in the case. She also directed the case to be mentioned on May 20, for confirming compliance.
In the first count, he is accused of jointly with others not before the court, reportedly conspiring with intent to defraud Kenyan farmers, to sell a total of 139,688 bags of 25kgs each of soil as genuine fertiliser.
The court heard that he allegedly committed the offence on March 31, 2022, at National Cereals and Produce Board Headquarters in Nairobi.
Kariuki was also accused that on January 12, 2023, at an unknown place within the country, jointly with others not before the court with intent to deceive Kenya Bureau of Standards Nakuru Region offices, he allegedly forged an agreement namely value-adding soil amendment and conditioner to organic fertiliser and animal supplement.
