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KRA defends raid on Rahma media as Governor Abdulswamad alleges intimidation

Times Tower in Nairobi which is the headquarters of Kenya Revenue Authority. (Photo: Khadija Abdi)

By Farhiya Hussein | Wednesday, May 29, 2024

KRA stated the enforcement actions taken on Wednesday at Rahma Broadcasting Limited are part of KRA’s standard operations to ensure tax compliance.

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has confirmed enforcement actions against Rahma Broadcasting Limited due to non-compliance with tax obligations.

KRA stated the enforcement actions taken on Wednesday at Rahma Broadcasting Limited are part of KRA’s standard operations to ensure tax compliance.

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Responding to allegations by Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir of their staff getting into an altercation at the Radio Rahma on Wednesday, the KRA in a press statement stated that all required due diligence procedures were followed, including issuing demand notices to the company.

“KRA's attention has been drawn to media reports on enforcement actions taken regarding the tax compliance of Rahma Broadcasting Limited. KRA confirms that all due diligence procedures were followed, including the issuance of demand notices to the company,” the statement reads in part.

The KRA noted commitments made by Rahma Broadcasting Limited’s management were not met and the company failed to honour its tax obligations.

KRA’s comprehensive review revealed that the company had not filed and paid various taxes.

“Following a comprehensive review, it was determined that Rahma Broadcasting Limited was non-compliant in filing and paying various tax obligations. Engagements with the management of Rahma Broadcasting Limited have been ongoing since taxes became due and payable. Commitments were reached, however, the taxpayer did not honour them,” KRA said in a statement.

“Today's activity at Rahma Broadcasting Limited is therefore part of normal KRA's Enforcement operation. The Authority remains committed to facilitating taxpayers and ensuring compliance with tax laws. KRA appreciates the cooperation of all taxpayers in fulfilling their tax obligations.”

Following the raid, Governor Abdulswamad had sparked claims of intimidation to undo the county's muguka ban.

In his confrontation with the KRA staff during the Radio Rahma raid, he asserted that attempts to intimidate him would fail while only fueling his determination to rid his county of the stimulant, which he says has left many young people in rehabilitation centres.

The county chief condemned people he did not name, alleging intimidation and an attempt to shut down the radio station following the airing of conversations about the harmful effects of muguka.

"This only gives me more morale. How many media outlets will you shut down in Mombasa? If you shut me down, I am not alone. This is the voice of the people of Mombasa. I have faith. Do whatever you want, but this issue will not end."

He added that, for the first time, five court cases have been filed against him, with four to be heard in Mombasa.

"All four courts have ordered that the ban continue until the cases are heard," he said, adding that one of the cases was in Embu County, where traders grow the crop.

Abdulswamad insisted he would continue serving his people, as they were the ones with children in rehabilitation centres due to the abuse of muguka.