A security guard attached to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) in Eldoret has been charged with allegedly breaking into a KRA warehouse and stealing 1,860,520 sticks of cigarettes valued at KSh22.7 million.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, November 3, KRA said the cigarettes were uncustomed Supermatch products that authorities had seized and stored at the warehouse. The consignment was valued at KSh22,780,542.
“A security guard attached to Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) in Eldoret has been charged with breaking into a KRA warehouse and stealing 1,860,520 sticks of uncustomed Supermatch cigarettes. The cigarettes, valued at Kshs.22,780,542, had been seized and deposited in the warehouse,” stated KRA.
The guard faces a theft charge and an alternative count of negligence to prevent a felony.
Guard Arrested at JKIA While Attempting to Travel to Qatar
The suspect was arrested at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) by immigration officers while allegedly attempting to travel to the State of Qatar.
Also Read: KRA Goes After Payroll Data, M-Pesa Payments and Landlords in New Tax Crackdown
According to KRA, the arrest followed the enforcement of a Departure Prohibition Order that restricted the suspect from leaving Kenya.
The order had been issued as investigations into the missing cigarettes continued. The suspect was subsequently taken to court in Eldoret, where he appeared before Senior Principal Magistrate Maureen Kesse and denied the charges.
During the court proceedings, the prosecution opposed his release on bond, arguing that he was a flight risk because he had allegedly attempted to leave the country.
KRA’s statement, however, did not specify the court’s final decision on his release, despite noting the prosecution’s objection.
If convicted of the offence, the suspect could face up to seven years in prison.
Second Suspect Charged Over Undenatured Ethanol in Kabarnet
In a separate case, a woman was charged at the Kabarnet Law Courts over the possession of 262.5 litres of undiluted and eight litres of diluted undenatured ethanol.
Also Read: JKIA Cleaner Intercepted Fleeing with 52 Phones and 3 Drones
KRA said the undenatured ethanol had a tax implication of KSh362,223. The woman was charged jointly with another suspect who was not before the court.
The charges included possession of restricted goods contrary to the East African Community Customs Management Act, 2004, and handling excisable goods without a licence under the Excise Duty Act.
The accused appeared before Magistrate Purity Koskey on Wednesday, October 28, where she denied the charges.
The court released her on a bond of KSh30,000 or a cash bail of KSh20,000. The case is scheduled for hearing on December 16.
KRA Lists Penalties for the Ethanol Offences
According to KRA, the accused could face different penalties if convicted of the charges.
For the first two counts, the law provides for imprisonment of up to five years, a fine equivalent to 50 per cent of the dutiable value of the goods involved, or both.
For the third count, the accused could face a fine of up to KSh2 million, imprisonment for up to two years, or both.
KRA said the two cases formed part of its efforts to address tax-related offences, including the handling of restricted goods and products that have not met customs and excise requirements.
The authority also urged members of the public to report suspected tax evasion and other forms of tax fraud through its whistleblowing platform.
“KRA is committed to disrupting and thwarting all schemes that threaten the integrity of effective revenue mobilisation and mobilisation efforts,” said KRA.
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