The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has initiated an investigation into prominent political activist and presidential hopeful Morara Kebaso over alleged tax evasion totaling KSh 186 million from his business operations spanning the last three years.
KRA Investigating Kebaso:
— NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) January 8, 2025
KRA launches investigation targeting activist Morara Kebaso for allegedly failing to pay Sh27 million in taxes.
KRA claims Kebaso made over Sh180 million since 2022 but has been filing nil returns. #NTVTonight @DannMwangi @@david_muthoka7 pic.twitter.com/kK7USHReNi
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Investigation Details
KRA’s probe has revealed that despite operating five profitable businesses, Kebaso has consistently filed nil returns, prompting concerns about potential tax avoidance. The authority claims he owes approximately KSh 27 million in unpaid taxes.
The investigation encompasses several companies under Kebaso’s control:
- Morara Home Furniture
- Morara Properties Limited
- Luku Fashion
- Igrow Digital Enterprise
- Nacktent Security Limited
Assets Under Scrutiny
The tax authority has identified six vehicles registered under Kebaso’s name:
- Land Cruiser pickup
- Land Cruiser Prado
- Captain Tuk Tuk
- TVS motorcycle
- Renault van
- Volkswagen Passat
Financial Transactions
“Our investigation has uncovered significant M-Pesa transactions flowing into his personal account, primarily related to interior fitting and furniture payments,” a KRA representative stated.
This comes shortly after Kebaso’s public acknowledgment of receiving KSh 6 million in donations from supporters of his activism.
Kebaso’s Defense
“I have been compliant with all tax obligations,” Kebaso maintained, producing tax compliance certificates for both 2023 and 2024 to support his claim.
Recent Legal Troubles
The tax investigation follows Kebaso’s recent encounter with law enforcement when DCI officers arrested him at his Kahawa Sukari office in Nairobi on September 30.
He was subsequently released on October 1 after posting a KSh 50,000 cash bail, facing cyber harassment charges which he has yet to plea to.
