This archive report was first published on 22 August 2019.
KRA Denies Targeting Billionaires ¶
Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has denied allegations that it is targeting billionaires in its crackdown on tax evasion, saying it is committed to enforcing the law equally for all citizens.
According to KRA, the agency is not targeting specific individuals or businesses, but rather enforcing the law as it is written.
"Wakenya wanatakiwa kupuuza madai kuwa KRA inapiga vita watu fulani au biashara za Wakenya. Badala yake, ni muhimu kufahamu kuwa KRA ina wajibu wa kufanikisha biashara chini ya mazingira sawa ya kuziwezesha kunawiri," said James Mburu, the KRA Commissioner General.
Recently, KRA arrested several high-profile individuals, including Humphrey Kariuki and Tabitha Karanja, who were accused of evading taxes worth KSh 41 billion and KSh 14.5 billion respectively.
However, some Kenyans have come to the defense of the billionaires, arguing that KRA should engage in dialogue with them rather than taking them to court.
"Tutanzisha mchakato wa kukabiliana na baadhi ya wafanyakazi wetu ambao wanatumia mamlaka yao vibaya kwa kujihusisha na visa vya ufisadi na kushindwa kuwatolea walipa ushuru huduma inayostahili," said Mburu.
Despite the controversy, KRA remains committed to enforcing the law and ensuring that all citizens pay their fair share of taxes.
