The Ministry of Agriculture has issued a stern rebuke following the vandalism and looting of the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depot in Maua, Meru County, during the nationwide protests on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.

Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe described the incident as a serious threat to national food security, warning that the theft of essential farm inputs must not be tolerated under the guise of civil disobedience.

In a press briefing on Friday, June 27, Kagwe criticized the perpetrators, stating that “we must not mistake democracy for disorder” and emphasized that while peaceful protest is a constitutional right, criminal acts must be dealt with decisively.

“These are not demonstrators, they are vandals. They are criminals exploiting legitimate protests to carry out destruction,” he said.

Kagwe revealed that over 7,354 bags of government-subsidized fertilizer each weighing 50kg and valued at approximately Sh29.5 million were stolen from the depot. The fertilizer had been earmarked for distribution to farmers in the region for the current planting season.

He warned that the loss could disrupt both food and cash crop production, deepening the country's food insecurity and compromising agricultural productivity at a critical time.

“The damage is not merely material it endangers the livelihoods of thousands and undermines national economic resilience,” Kagwe noted.

Calling for swift action, the CS urged the National Police Service to launch an immediate manhunt for those behind the attack and ensure the recovery of the stolen fertilizer.

“Looting such essential supplies is a direct assault on our farmers and their ability to feed the nation. The law must take its full course,” he said.

Kagwe cautioned that the integrity of peaceful protests is being eroded by criminal elements who destroy public resources. He called for balance, noting that just as excessive police force is condemnable, so too is the rampant destruction of critical infrastructure.

He further appealed to citizens to safeguard public assets, particularly during politically charged moments, warning that failure to do so risks plunging the country into chaos.

“Democracy must never be allowed to descend into lawlessness. Let us exercise our rights with responsibility and protect the resources that sustain our communities,” he concluded.

The CS also pointed to the wider economic strain being caused by ongoing demonstrations, urging collaboration between law enforcement, government, and communities to preserve national stability and hold wrongdoers to account.