A company associated with businessman and former aide to the late President Moi, Joshua Kulei, is embroiled in a major controversy over illegal operations in the mining and export business. African Diatomite Mining Limited (ADIL), allegedly owned by Kulei, is under scrutiny for operating without the necessary licenses, putting its subcontractors and business partners at significant legal risk.
Fake Fertilizer Scandal Unveils Deeper Issues
ADIL first made headlines as a key player in the fake fertilizer scandal that shook the nation in early 2024. New revelations now indicate that the company has been engaged in illegal mining activities for nearly a decade. ADIL has reportedly been operating without the required licenses from the Ministry of Mining since 2016, raising serious questions about regulatory oversight and corruption.
A Web of Forgery and Deception
According to sources within the company, ADIL has been forging documents to secure multi-million-shilling deals, leaving its subcontractors exposed to potential legal actions. The company, which owns a Ksh. 2 billion plant in Kariandusi, Nakuru County, and mining sites in Soysambu, has allegedly been conducting its operations without proper authorization from both the Ministry of Mining and the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA).
“This company has not renewed its mining license since 2016,” revealed an insider who requested anonymity. “Everything here has been happening in the dark, under a cover of illegalities. It’s one of the biggest kept secrets in this country.”
Government Protection and Unanswered Questions
The company’s ability to continue operations without scrutiny for so long has led to speculation about high-level protection from influential government figures. Our sources have confirmed that ADIL’s management is well aware of their illegal status but have managed to avoid accountability, thanks to this protection.
“This is really an open secret,” another source disclosed. “All the heads at this company know that the last time the license was renewed was back in 2016. Attempts to question this abnormality have always been suppressed.”
No NEMA License, No Accountability
The scandal deepens as it’s revealed that ADIL has also been operating without a NEMA license, which is mandatory for any company involved in mining activities. This lack of environmental oversight raises concerns about the impact of ADIL’s operations on the local ecosystem and communities.
“What’s worse? The company also doesn’t have a NEMA letter,” the source continued. “We have no paperwork from NEMA to authorize these activities, yet they continue day in and day out.”
Call for Accountability
The exposure of ADIL’s illegal operations has sparked outrage, with many calling for swift action from the new Cabinet Secretary for Mining and Blue Economy, Hassan Joho. Victims of ADIL’s fraudulent activities are demanding justice and the immediate suspension of ADIL’s operations.
“We are not afraid to speak,” said one source. “We’ve seen Kenyans fearlessly sacrificing themselves to better this nation, and we felt the same inspiration too. We call upon ADIL to come forward and come clean. We also dare them to deny our accusations by providing an updated license, or at least their license since 2016.”
A Tarnished Reputation
Africa Diatomite Industries’ involvement in the March 2024 ‘Africa Uncensored’ exposé titled ‘Fertile Deception,’ led by investigative journalist John Allan Namu, now faces further scrutiny. The exposé, which highlighted ADIL’s dubious activities, has opened the floodgates to more damning revelations about the company’s operations.
Conclusion
As the scandal unfolds, the legitimacy of Africa Diatomite Industries is in tatters. With accusations of fraud, forgery, and illegal operations, the company’s past activities and products are now under intense scrutiny. The call for transparency and accountability has never been louder, and the public awaits the government’s next move in what is shaping up to be one of the most significant corporate scandals in recent Kenyan history.
