A shortage of oranges has hit Kitale town after workers of the Agricultural Development Cooperation (ADC) Suam Orchards suspended harvesting. Traders said they have not been supplied with the fruits since Monday after workers discovered a live bomb at the 2000acre farm, which is the main supplier of fruits to the town. ADC Regional Manager, Mr Simon Segei, said activities at the farm had been suspended until the bomb was detonated and adequate security assured. "Employees have suspended work on the farm because they fear for their lives after the explosive was discovered", said Segei.

He said the matter had been reported to the matter to the police, but the explosive was still on the farm. The farm also supplies oranges to the three East African countries. Last week, experts from Moi Barracks in Eldoret visited the farm and made three unsuccessful attempts to remove the bomb fearing it could explode. Bomb experts, who were expected from Turkwel Gorge in West Pokot District were yet to arrive. A spot-check in Kitale showed that the price of a 50kg bag of oranges stands at Sh800 up from Sh 600. An orange now costs Sh10 up from Sh5.