Police nab 1,080 bags of suspected contraband rice in Kirinyaga

Police on Thursday morning seized over 1,080 bags of suspected contraband rice in Mwea East, Kirinyaga County.

According to Mwea East Deputy County Commissioner Edwin Chabari, the rice said to be from Pakistani, was nabbed during an operation to clamp down on contraband goods.

“The rice whose origin is Pakistan is currently being guarded by police officers as investigations into the continues,” said police.

The deputy county commissioner said they are working with the health department to ascertain whether the rice is fit for human consumption.

“Detectives will liase with Public health departments and Kenya Revenue Authority to establish whether the imported rice is fit for human consumption before taking the matter to court,” Chabari said.

County government of Kirinyaga vowed to fight importation of Pakistan rice.

“Importation of Pakistan rice has for decades negatively affected Mwea rice farmers in Kirinyaga,” Deputy Governor Peter Ndambiri said.