Mombasa detectives are investigating the theft of subsidised government maize worth Sh5 million, in what they believe was a well-planned operation.
A senior officer who sought anonymity told The Star on Tuesday that more than 1,220 90-kg bags were stolen while being transported to Eldoret.
This was after the drivers parked their trucks at a yard since it was late and they did not have enough fuel.
A suspect has been arrested and is assisting police with investigations.
“This was a well-calculated crime. The trucks were driven at midnight, dumped several metres away and the maize off-loaded to waiting trucks which we are yet to trace,” the officer said.
The manager of the yard where the trucks were parked and authorities including the Agriculture ministry were not immediately available for comment as the probe has not been concluded.
Changamwe DCI boss Francis Wanjahu said the suspect will give detectives information that will help them arrest those behind the theft.
He noted the drivers may have colluded with suspects to commit the crime.
“We are very optimistic…all those involved will be brought to book. We have good leads.”
On June 19, the government received 1.2 million more bags of maize to cushion Kenyans from the severe unga shortage.
Agriculture Cabinet Sectary Willy Bett told journalists they’re expecting more than 3.8 million bags of maize in the next few days.
It was reported on Monday that Zambia will export 100,000 of maize to three east African countries facing a shortage, with the bulk of the grain going to Kenya.
In June, Zambia opened talks with Kenyan grain traders for the export of maize to east Africa’s biggest economy, which is looking to import maize to plug a deficit.
