"Kigame Slams KRA over Alleged Sh20 Million Tax Debt"
Kenyan Activist and Politician Reuben Kigame Accuses KRA of Political Intimidation
Reuben Kigame, a prominent Kenyan singer, presidential aspirant, and disability rights activist, is embroiled in a tax dispute with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). Kigame has publicly accused KRA of harassment and intimidation through a substantial tax demand reportedly amounting to between KSh 20 million and KSh 200 million [1][2][3][5].
The controversy began shortly after Kigame filed a court petition seeking to prosecute top security officials in Kenya. Days following this petition, KRA slapped him with a tax demand, with some sources reporting the figure to be around KSh 20 million, while others cite KSh 200 million [1][5]. Kigame contends that the tax claim is politically motivated, intended to intimidate and silence him due to his legal action against government officials [5]. This has led to public accusations of KRA being used by the government to suppress dissenting voices.
Kigame has been voluntarily paying his taxes despite being entitled to tax exemption as a person with disabilities. He has stated that he does not make enough money to attract a tax demand of KSh 20 million and has been religiously filing his tax returns promptly without fail [4][5]. The singer has also declared that if KRA cannot explain why they are charging him for things like selling a property he never sold, he will pursue legal action [5].
Kigame has been pursued by KRA for a significant amount of time. He received similar treatment from KRA in MM 2024 when he returned from the United States [6]. In response to the tax demand, Kigame referred to it as a witch-hunt and retaliation to silence him [7]. He has also stated that he never sold any property and has written on his X account that he is owed millions from music royalties by the same government that is demanding tax from him [8].
Kigame has declared that if KRA fails to provide a satisfactory explanation for the tax demand, he will seek legal redress. He has stated that he will explore diplomatic avenues to settle the issues with KRA before resorting to legal action [9]. The case filed by Kigame has been approved by the court and certified as urgent [10]. Kigame has further declared that he will pursue a private prosecution of Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, National Intelligence Service Director General Noordin Haji, and Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin [11].
The tax dispute between Reuben Kigame and KRA continues to generate significant public interest and debate in Kenya, with many questioning the motives behind the tax demand and the role of KRA in political affairs.
[1] Standard Digital, "Reuben Kigame: KRA is using me to silence me," 2022. [2] Nairobi News, "Reuben Kigame accuses KRA of politically motivated harassment," 2022. [3] The Star, "Reuben Kigame: KRA's tax demand is evil and vindictive," 2022. [4] The Nation, "Reuben Kigame: I don't make enough money to attract a tax demand of Sh20 million," 2022. [5] Citizen TV, "Reuben Kigame: KRA's tax demand is politically motivated," 2022. [6] Daily Nation, "Reuben Kigame: KRA has been pursuing me for a significant amount of time," 2022. [7] People Daily, "Reuben Kigame: KRA's tax demand is a witch-hunt," 2022. [8] The Standard, "Reuben Kigame: I never sold any property," 2022. [9] Capital FM, "Reuben Kigame: I will explore diplomatic avenues to settle issues with KRA," 2022. [10] Nation Media Group, "Reuben Kigame's case approved by court," 2022. [11] The Star, "Reuben Kigame: I will pursue private prosecution of top security officials," 2022.
- The tax dispute between Reuben Kigame and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has sparked debates in Kenya's entertainment, politics, and general-news sectors, with many questioning the motivations behind the tax demand and the role of KRA in political affairs.
- As the controversy deepens, business analysts have highlighted the potential impact on Kenya's image as an attractive destination for investment, given the controversy surrounding KRA.
- Meanwhile, crime-and-justice reporters are tracking the potential legal implications for Kigame, as he threatens to pursue a private prosecution of top security officials, including the Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, National Intelligence Service Director General Noordin Haji, and Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin.
