Githunguri law courts on Wednesday charged Grace Wangari Kariuki for processing and packaging of fake maize seeds that do not germinate from the ground after being planted.
Ms Wangari was arrested by police duringa crackdown conducted by Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) officers.
Wangari denied the charges leveled against her by the prosecution. According to the charge sheet, the woman was arrested on the 14th of May 2019 in possession of maize seeds packaged in 2Kg-sized packets meant forretail.
According to KEPHIS legal council Leonard Kilenyet, the maize seeds found in possession of Wangari are categorized as uncertified variety of seeds.
“We responded to the general public outcry around Githunguri. We heard of reports that farmers are buying maize seeds and when they plant, the seeds do not germinate from the ground, so we decided to come ourselves and take up the matter with respect to the laws,” said Kilenyet.
However, she denied the charges and was released on a cash bail of Sh100000 or a surety of similar amount. The case is scheduled forhearing on 17th of July 2019.
KEPHIS is the government parastatal which is tasked with there sponsibility to assure the quality ofagricultural inputs and produce with the aim of preventing adverse impact onthe economy, the environment and human health.