The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has disclosed that the raid at Rahma Broadcasting Limited, which is owned by Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir, was carried out after due diligence.
In a statement on Wednesday, May 29, the taxman noted that a demand notice had already been issued to the company before the raid.
“KRA 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 revenue authority stated.
KRA further intimated that after a comprehensive review, it was determined that the Abdulswamad-owned station was non-compliant in filing and paying various tax obligations.
The taxman asserted that engagements with the management of the company had been ongoing since taxes became due, but commitments made by the company were not honoured.
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“Commitments were reached, however the taxpayer did not honor them. Today’s activity at Rahma Broadcasting Limited is therefore part of normal KRA’s Enforcement operation,” KRA stated.
On Wednesday, Governor Abdulswamad said he would not be intimidated, linking the raid on his firm with his recent move to ban the sale of muguka in Mombasa County.
The county boss claimed that Rahma Broadcasting Limited did not have any tax arrears.
"You came here, and everyone I have spoken to says they are not aware of any arrears. If you have been sent to harass us, we are going to take this matter even further. If it's muguka causing these issues, to make you think we will be intimidated, we will continue,” Abdulswamad stated.