KRA officers raid Haki Africa's Mombasa offices

MOMBASA: Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) officers have seized several documents from rights group Haki Africa's offices in Mombasa, less than two weeks after its bank accounts were frozen on suspicion of financing terrorists.

Five officers descended on the organisation's offices at noon Monday and carted away three computer discs and several files containing receipts, payslips of employees and other vital documents.

The officials, who were escorted by armed police officers, said they wanted to find out whether Haki Africa had complied with all tax regulations and obligations.

"We are also looking for some information and that is why we have impounded these materials from Haki Africa," said a KRA officer at the scene.

The human rights body has already sued the Government for freezing its accounts and sought orders to overturn it.

KRA officers assured Haki Africa they will return the confiscated materials after a day.

"We want to know if they are tax-compliant and that is why we have taken away the computer discs and financial documents for March and other months to find out what they have been transacting," said the official.

The officers, who were armed with a search warrant, said they went to court without the knowledge of the organisation.

Haki Africa Chief Executive Khalid Hussein said he had no problem with the investigation. "I have no problem with KRA doing their work because they will also help in vindicating us."