Makueni Governor Faces Scrutiny Over Fruit Factory Scandal
The Makueni County Assembly has adopted a report detailing irregularities in a Sh20 million mango procurement programme, placing Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr’s administration under renewed scrutiny.
The findings follow a joint inquiry led by Masongaleni MCA Bryan Nzoka and members of the Public Accounts and Public Investments committees. The investigation examined operations at the Makueni Fruits Processing Plant and found that deliveries significantly exceeded agreed supply quotas. Cooperatives contracted to provide 10 tonnes of mangoes per day delivered up to seven times that amount.
The report noted concerns that some of the fruit may have originated from neighbouring Tanzania. Assembly Speaker Douglas Mbilu directed that the report be forwarded to the governor, deputy governor and relevant county departments for action.
The committee recommended disciplinary measures against Joseph Kioko, chief executive of the processing plant, accusing him of approving excess deliveries and allowing county vehicles to be used without authorisation to transport mangoes. Agriculture executive Elizabeth Muli was instructed to investigate ward officers suspected of falsifying procurement records.
Among the irregularities cited was the approval of purchases by ward officer Daniel Matheka while he was officially on leave. The committee acknowledged that it did not question senior county officials or MCAs accused of influencing procurement decisions, citing time constraints. This aspect of the inquiry has raised concerns about the scope of the investigation.
The report outlines the impact on farmers, many of whom were unable to sell their produce after exporters were displaced by county-imposed conditions. Farmers have called for compensation, alleging that procurement processes favoured selected cooperatives over independent producers.
The Kenya County Government Workers Union defended staff named in the report. Branch secretary John Sila stated that the officers were being unfairly singled out and described their identification during Assembly proceedings as unconstitutional victimisation.
MCAs proposed blacklisting three cooperatives, Kika Farmers, Makuwo Farmers and Mulili Kyale, and amending procurement regulations to allow farmers to supply mangoes directly to the factory. The Assembly gave the Finance executive 90 days to develop new guidelines, requiring that at least 30 percent of the next season’s mangoes be sourced directly from farmers.
