Reuben Kigame, a prominent gospel singer and activist, publicly shared on August 2 that he is facing a Ksh20 million tax claim from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), just days after he filed a petition seeking the prosecution of top government officials over the deaths of Gen Z protesters.
According to KRA, Kigame owes the state taxes accumulated over several years, including interest and penalties.
“Coincidence or fighting back my petition? Yesterday I received an email from a KRA official I will abbreviate as Ms DW, alleging I owe the government taxes worth (Ksh) 20 million,” Reuben said.
Reuben Kigame claims on the KRA tax claim
The authority has not publicly linked the enforcement to his recent activism but insists the action is part of routine compliance checks.
Reuben Kigame further claimed that he was a person with disability, and he is entitled to a tax exemption, but he voluntarily pays his taxes.
Additionally, he shared that the government still owed him millions in music royalties.
“I make less than (Ksh) 200K in a good month. Note that as a PWD, I am entitled to tax exemption, but I voluntarily pay my taxes,” Reuben Kigame explained.
However, the timing of the tax demand has raised public concern, with critics questioning whether the move is politically motivated.
Kigame’s filed petition
Kigame filed a petition at the High Court on July 31, naming Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, DCI Director Mohamed Amin, and NIS Director General Noordin Haji as respondents.
Also Read: Musician Kigame Accuses President Ruto of Overdoing Religion
He accuses the officials of overseeing human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings and torture during the 2024 and 2025 Gen Z-led protests.
“Over 100 peaceful protesters and innocent bystanders lost their lives under suspicious state action,” Reuben Kigame said during a press briefing, vowing to escalate the case to the International Criminal Court if domestic institutions fail to act.
In response, CS Murkomen, during a press conference on August 1, dismissed Kigame’s efforts as a political stunt.
Murkomen responds to Reuben Kigame
He accused him and other petitioners of siding with “criminal elements” seeking to undermine national stability.
“This is an unfortunate attempt to criminalise security operations meant to protect citizens and property,” said Murkomen.
Also Read: Murkomen Asks Court to Continue Charging Protesters With Terrorism
Kigame’s petition called for the private prosecution of the top security officials if state agencies fail to initiate action.
He argues that the named individuals, by virtue of their leadership roles, bear direct responsibility for the alleged atrocities and must be held accountable.
“Justice must be served, even if it means going beyond our borders to seek accountability,” said Reuben Kigame
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
