State approves prosecution of listed tax evaders, set to reclaim over Sh600m
The Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Mulele Ingonga has cracked the whip on tax evaders as he approved the arraignment of 17 individuals and firms associated with them over the crime.
Ingonga said yesterday that they would not condone any individuals or companies that avoided to pay tax to the government through fraudulent practices.
He said the first cohort of the suspects and their companies was the beginning of a fierce battle against tax evasion. He said they suspected that the individuals awaiting prosecution had denied the government over Sh600 million in the last two years alone.
The list includes Benson Otieno Kisero, Eunice Opili Likuyani and Wise Pick Trading Limited. “The above individuals and company will face three counts of fraud in relation to tax contrary to Section 97(C) as read with Section 104(3) of the Tax Procedures Act,” the DPP said in a statement.
Approved prosecution He added, “Between January 20, 2022, the suspects filed false purchases amounting to Sh378,003,185 thereby reducing their Value-Added Tax liability by Sh1,899,680.”
Ingonga said between February 20, 2023, and July 20, 2023, the same suspects filed fake purchases amounting to Sh11,873,000 thereby reducing their VAT liability by Sh57,088,510. He said they further filed fake purchases amounting to Sh281,845,744 thereby reducing their VAT liability by Sh45,095,281.
Also approved for prosecutions over similar offences include Jennifer Nasiche and Priteria Limited; Thomas Githangi Kanyi, Anastacia Wangui Ng’ang’a, Douglas Kathurima Mwiti, Saeed Sheikh Abdirahman and Sidoman Investment Limited.
Also on the radar is Michael Wafula Obunde, Jesse Michael Muganda, Christopher Odongo Asoka and Geo Freight Forwarders Limited. Others to be arraigned are Joseph Ndung’u Gucheha, Ramadhan Kariuki Gitau, Edwin Wanjala Barasa, Florence Wanjiku Muiruri, Moses Boyi Odhiambo, Francis Kyalo Mwandandi and Daniel Ngugi.
“Before making the above decisions, the DPP was satisfied that all alternatives to prosecutions had been explored,” Ingonga said in the statement. “The DPP wishes to assure the public and taxpayers that all enforcement measures undertaken shall continue to be humane and just,” he added.
