KRA defends raid at Mombasa Governor Nassir's radio station

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has justified its Wednesday raid at Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir's Rahma Broadcasting Corporation.

In a statement to newsrooms in the evening, the taxman asserted that the exercise was conducted in accordance with established procedures, including the issuance of demand notices to the company.

According to KRA, the broadcaster neither complied to its tax obligations, neither honoured commitments to do so after being contacted by the State agency.

"Following a comprehensive review, it was determined that Rahma Broadcasting Limited was non-compliant in filing and paying various tax obligations," the statement from KRA's South Region Coordinator reads.

"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. Today's activity at Rahma Broadcasting Limited is therefore part of normal KRA's Enforcement operation.

Following the raid, Nassir insinuated that the sudden scrutiny from the taxman stemmed from his recent decision to outlaw the sale, distribution and consumption of khat leaves, popularly known as muguka, in Mombasa.

"Leo watu wamekuja na vitisho. Hii mambo ya kila mmoja anakuja hapa and then ukiuliza wadosi wao wanakuambia ya kwamba sio wao wamewatuma. It means that people are taking orders from elsewhere," said Nassir.

While citing four different court orders that upheld the ban, a visibly irked and defiant Nassir expressed that he would not yield to pressure to revoke the ban for the sake of Mombasa residents.

In a subsequent statement, Nassir's political outfit, ODM, likewise slammed the powers that be over their alleged role in the incident.

"The ODM party wishes to condemn the weaponization of state agencies like KRA to harass and intimidate Governor Nassir and his colleagues who are only looking out for those they represent. The Party stands with the Governor in his efforts to rid Mombasa of the drug menace once and for all," stated ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna.