Meru Senator Kathuri Murungi has called on the government to audit all private coffee millers across the country following the increasing coffee theft cases.
Speaking at Kariene in Central Imenti constituency, Kathuri who is also Senate Deputy Speaker urged the ministry of agriculture to move with speed and collect data on source and volumes of coffee produced by co-operatives and private factories.
While condemning recent robbery of coffee valued at Ksh7 million and killing of two night guards at Mariene factory in the area, Kathuri called on the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) to arrest the culprits who are still at large.
“Cases of coffee theft in the factories are rampant and alarming. I call on the Ministry of Agriculture to step in, investigate and come up with proper production data and capacity of every private factory in order to curb coffee theft. This will identify any loopholes for selling stolen coffee to private sector,” said Kathuri.
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He at the same time noted coffee theft in Mt. Kenya region has become a norm making the government lose millions of shillings in the sector.
“The ministry of agriculture needs to work hand in hand with the security agencies to unravel the mystery of the whereabouts of large amount of coffee getting lost from the affected factories,” the senator said.
Speaking when he visited the families of the deceased security guards, Kathuri said security should be beefed especially during harvest seasons.
During the 2am incident, thugs raided the factory and stole 200 bags of coffee before loading them to a waiting truck for transportation to an unknown destination.
Meru Central county sub – county police commander Justin Njeru said investigations are still ongoing calling on residents to volunteer any information to help the police arrest the gang.
President William Ruto recently announced waiver of Ksh6.9 billion coffee debt in a broader scheme to revamp the lucrative coffee industry and bring back the lost glory.
By John Majau
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