KISUMU MAN CHARGED WITH TAX EVASION AMOUNTING TO OVER 86 MILLION

A prominent trader in Kisumu pleaded not guilty to several counts of tax evasion amounting to over 86 million Kenya shillings. PHOTO /CORRESPONDENT

KISUMU TRADER CHARGED WITH TAX EVASION AMOUNTING TO OVER 86M

By Grace Chege

A trader was charged before Senior Principal Magistrate Hezron Nyaberi for willingly evading payment of duty for goods with a revenue implication of Kshs 86,440,323.

The accused, Mr. Evans Otieno Onyange was charged with 12 counts of failure to submit tax returns contrary to section 94(2) of the Tax Procedures Act and 12 counts of failure to pay tax contrary to section 95 of the Tax Procedures Act for the years 2015 to 2017.

He is accused of omitting income from his returns and subsequently failing to pay taxes.

Mr Onyange has other cases involving goods prohibited by EACCMA,2004 and funding of smuggling activities.

He was arrested on 14th November, 2019 after appearing in a different case at Winam Law Courts Kisumu County Kenya, a warrant of arrest was issued on 5th November 2019.

He pleaded not guilty to all counts and was released on a cash bail of Ksh.2 Million or a bond of Ksh.5 Million.

The hearing is set for 15th January 2020.

Taxpayers are encouraged to pay their taxes in time and remain compliant with tax laws in order to avoid punitive enforcement measures including prosecution.

KRA remains committed to building taxpayers trust through facilitation to foster Compliance with Tax and Customs Legislation to continually improve service delivery and revenue collection.

KRA also endeavours to make taxpaying experience better through provision of a courteous and professional service.