Political activist and businessman Morara Kebaso has responded forcefully to the Kenya Revenue Authority’s public investigation into his tax affairs, questioning why his case is being tried in the media spotlight.
For the record i do not own Igrow Digital Enterprise. It is a youth group that we registered as schoolmates in 2014 when we were in the university. The intention of the youth group was to do the business of breeding dogs i.e german shepherd, Springer Spaniel, Japanese Spitz. We…
— Morara Kebaso (@MoraraKebasoSnr) January 9, 2025
Claims of Political Targeting
“Tax matters are private and confidential. I don’t know why mine is being investigated in the media,” Kebaso stated on Thursday, January 9.
He further alleged that government agencies were being used as tools for political suppression.
“State agencies should not be weaponized to silence voices of truth and accountability. This is a clear attempt to push me to my knees so that I agree to collaborate with corrupt leaders in the mismanagement of our country.”
Disputed Business Ownership
Addressing specific allegations, Kebaso has distanced himself from one of the businesses under investigation.
“For the record, I do not own Igrow Digital Enterprise. It is a youth group that we registered as schoolmates in 2014 when we were in the university,” he explained.
“The business never started because we did not get the capital to start. We hoped to get money from the government through the Youth Enterprise Fund but never got it.”
Financial Details Under Scrutiny
According to KRA’s investigation, Kebaso’s businesses reportedly generated:
- KSh 9.5 million in 2022
- KSh 31.9 million in 2023
- KSh 144.9 million in 2024
Totaling KSh 186.3 million over three years
Tax Compliance Issues
The tax authority’s report highlighted concerns about tax filing practices:
“The trade credits were compared with income tax turnover declared in the income tax returns, to which it was noted that you are a non-filer, to determine undeclared income turnover. It was noted that you are not registered for Value Added Tax (VAT).”
Kebaso maintains that the investigation is politically motivated, stating:
“Kenyans are very wise they can differentiate a genuine tax investigation and a political witchhunt. I will continue to speak truth to power without fear.”
