Senator Cherargei faults KRA over taxation of marathon champion Sabastian Sawe’s prize money

Speaking on the floor of the Senate on Thursday, Cherargei questioned the taxation of marathon champion Sabastian Sawe’s recent earnings, claiming that out of approximately Ksh. 48.5 million in awards, KRA is set to deduct about Ksh. 18 million in taxes.

“Mr Speaker, can you believe Sebastian Sawe is winning Ksh.48.5 million in awards but KRA is taking Ksh. 18 million? KRA should zero-rate. I want to appeal to KRA not to tax the winnings of our athletes and sportsmen. Stop taxing Kenyans who are winning; there are Kenyans who are doing tax evasion,” Cherargei said.

The senator urged the tax authority to review its policy on sporting earnings, arguing that such deductions reduce the morale of athletes who bring global recognition to the country.

His remarks come amid national celebrations for marathon champion Sabastian Sawe, who was honoured by President William Ruto at State House on Thursday after what has been described as a historic performance at the London Marathon.

President Ruto awarded Sawe Ksh.8 million in total incentives after his performance, which included Ksh. 5 million for breaking a record and an additional Ksh.3 million for finishing first in the international race.

Sawe was received at State House, Nairobi, in a high-profile ceremony, where he was escorted in a presidential vehicle sent to pick him up from his arrival in the capital. The athlete arrived carrying the Kenyan flag, which he later handed back to the President in a symbolic gesture of national pride.

In addition, President Ruto gifted the champion a car of his choice, customised with number plates reflecting his record performance, “01 59 30,” in honour of his achievement.