The Kenyan government has strongly denounced the looting and destruction of a national fertiliser depot during violent protests this week, warning that the incident could spark a severe food production crisis.

On Wednesday, thousands of demonstrators took to the streets nationwide to commemorate the anniversary of last year’s anti-tax protests. While initially peaceful, the rallies quickly turned violent, with clashes between youth and police resulting in at least 16 deaths and hundreds of injuries, according to human rights organisations.

In a statement, the Ministry of Agriculture revealed that over 7,354 bags of fertiliser—valued at approximately $230,000—were stolen from a government depot in Meru, a key agricultural region located about 200 kilometres east of Nairobi. The ministry described the theft as “a direct assault on Kenya’s food security,” warning that the loss could severely disrupt both food and cash crop production during the current planting season.

Meru County, which contributes significantly to Kenya’s agricultural output, plays a vital role in a sector that accounts for roughly 21% of the country’s GDP.

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of those involved. Meanwhile, Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen condemned the unrest as “terrorism disguised as dissent” and defended the police response.

The United Nations also weighed in, expressing deep concern over the violence and urging all parties to exercise restraint and ensure a thorough investigation.

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