Tax official denies BAT bribery claim

Kenya Revenue Authority Director, Ms. Mary M’Mukindia, who has denied receiving a bribe of Sh7.6million from British American Tobacco on behalf of then presidential candidate and Narc Kenya party leader Martha Karua. The story first appeared in the UK’s Independent Newspaper. (PHOTO: JAMES WANZALA/ STANDARD)

Kenya Revenue Authority Director Mary M’Mukindia (pictured) has described as false and inaccurate allegations that she received Sh7.6 million from British American Tobacco (BAT) on behalf of then presidential candidate Martha Karua.

The denial comes after British Broadcasting Corporation in its investigative show Panorama and UK’s Independent newspaper reported that BAT executives paid bribes to KRA official. Karua, who is the Narc Kenya Party leader, was also by then the Justice Minister. M’Mukindia, who is a former CEO of the National Oil Corporation, said contrary to allegations of being silent on the matter, she had strongly and unequivocally refuted the claims when they first appeared in the Independent.

“Considering the serious nature of these false allegations and their negative bearing on my integrity and reputation as well as my desire to establish the truth, I initiated necessary legal steps both in Kenya and the UK,” said M’Mukindia.