Ruto launches probe into tax waivers made by Uhuru-Raila Handshake government
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Ruto through his UDA party takes tax (waivers) war on the doorsteps of the 2018 handshake between Uhuru and Raila Odinga
Ruto through his UDA party takes tax (waivers) war on the doorsteps of the 2018 handshake between Uhuru and Raila Odinga.
Following the handshake between former president Uhuru Kenyatta and Azimio leader Raila Odinga, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) opened an official investigation into tax waivers between the government and individuals.
On Monday, February 6, the Leader of the Majority in the National Assembly, Kimani Ichung’wah, disclosed in his office that he had written to the Treasury to request documents regarding the tax agreements made following the 2018 handshake.
Ichung’wah requests information on waivers and incentives provided to people and businesses from National Treasury and Economic Planning Cabinet Secretary (CS) Prof. Njunguna Ndung’u.
“I have today written to the Treasury CS requesting information on all tax reliefs, exemptions, and waivers that were granted from January 2018 to date,” he stated.
Ichung’wah claimed that some of Uhuru’s appointees allegedly used their offices to illegally exempt themselves, their companies, and their allies from paying taxes.
The lawmaker demanded records of tax incentives offered to any companies which were awarded development tenders during Uhuru’s last four years in office.
“I asked the CS to provide information on tax incentives granted to firms or companies under a contractual agreement entered into with the government for the implementation of various capital projects within the period,” he added.
The Kikuyu Member of Parliament (MP) claimed that some contractors, especially foreign ones, colluded with state officials to abuse the incentives they applied for.
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The investigation will not, however, delve into the support given to institutions of faith, educational institutions, or philanthropic organizations.
He said that a disparity between the records at the Treasury and the Auditor General’s office served as the basis for Ichung’wah’s decision.
“A casual look at what has been given to Parliament by the Auditor General’s office indicates that it is not all waivers that were granted over the period were communicated to her office,” he pointed out.
His announcement comes as President William Ruto’s administration and the opposition are at odds over suspected tax evasion cases.
UDA wants among others, Uhuru and his family to remit taxes to the government.
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