Over the past years, senior government officers and businessmess have been linked to maize smuggling in the country.
At one time, the current DP William Ruto was sacked after an enormous maize scandal that still hounts him to this very day.
Controversial figures like Tycoon Jaffer Mohammed have also been linked to creating an artificial maize shortage so that his Grain Bulk handlers can ‘import’ maize on behalf of millers.
According to a Police statement, a joint team have impounded 150 tonnes of maize in Kuria West Sub County.
Investigation have been launched to seal and nab individuals smuggling maize from Tanzania via ungazetted entry points.
KRA and cops impounded the maize at Gukipimo market in Kuria West Sub County on Thursday.
Kuria West Police Commander Cleti Kimaiyo stated that several traders linked to the maize impounded are required to record statements with the office of the Director of Criminal Investigation in Kuria West Sub.
He stated that the stores where the 150 tonnes of maize were discovered yesterday were sealed by Kenya Revenue Officers (KRA) from Isebania, experts from the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), and Public Health Officers.
Migori county commissioner Boaz Cherutich on Thursday led a multi-agency team in a day-long crackdown on smuggled maize.
Cherutich stated that the government is interested in learning the origins of the maize in various stores along the border, as well as whether the grains have aflatoxins.
The county commissioner noted that during the exercise, which will be carried out by a multi-agency team, all traders who have maize stores in the region will be registered and their maize will be examined.
The county commissioner has also issued a warning to traders importing maize from neighbouring countries, stating that the government has prohibited maize importation into the country.
