The National Assembly Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives Committee has revealed mistakes that led to the release of condemned sugar into the Kenyan market.
In a statement dated Tuesday, October 17, the Committee chaired by Embakasi North MP James Gakuya said it convened a meeting with Kings Commodities Limited, the storage facility at the center of the controversy involving condemned sugar.
John Kariuki, the General Manager of Kings Commodities Limited said Paul Mwangi from Vinepack Industries approached the facility on April 17, 2023, inquiring about their services.
“An agreement was reached, allowing Vinepack Industries to store sugar at the facility for three months, at a cost of Ksh.300,000. Paul was instructed to make an initial payment of Ksh. 100,000,” said Kariuki.
Sugar Handling Blunder
However, Kariuki admitted to a startling lapse in security and professionalism.
“He (Kariuki) could not confirm whether the sugar was indeed offloaded, as he allowed Vinepack to carry out their operations without supervision, citing a heavy police presence as the reason,” read the statement.
Further, he acknowledged having handed over the camera footage to the authorities without even reviewing or retaining copies for the company.
Members of the committee expressed their dismay at the lack of security oversight and Kariuki’s inability to provide crucial information regarding the incident.
Also Read: Foreigner Arrested at JKIA with Ksh 10M Illegal Goods
They highlighted the suspicious discovery of fresh cement works and painting on the warehouse doors, suggesting possible foul play.
Further questioning revealed that Kings Commodities’ security team failed to raise any alarm or take note of any suspicious activities that may have led to the disappearance of the sugar.
“Members expressed concerns about the facility’s ability to store unknown products and the potential risks involved, even raising the possibility of child trafficking syndicates or terrorists using such lax security to transport dangerous items,” read the statement.
Also Read: MP Seeks to Ban Supermarkets from Re-Branding Sugar
KRA Manager
Additionally, the Committee also heard from Caroline Nyegachi, a Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Customs Manager based in Thika.
Nyegachi detailed her experiences since being suspended on half pay in the wake of the scandal, describing it as emotional and mental torture.
Moreover, she urged the Committee and KRA to expedite their efforts in identifying those responsible.
The next step for the Committee involves meeting with the Chairperson and respective agencies of the multi-agency tasked with the responsibility to ensure the condemned sugar was transported and converted to ethanol.
Legislators gathered to gain insights into the company’s perspective and to establish a clear understanding of the security measures within the facility.