Trader in court for alleged assault on KRA official in Eastleigh

Trader faces court over alleged assault on KRA official in Eastleigh. [Standard, File]

A businessman has been arraigned in court on charges of assault and obstruction.

Abdikarim Mohamed Jilmoge appeared before a Makadara Law Court on Tuesday, March 19, accused of assaulting Joel King'ori, a Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) official, at the Farhiyo shop in Eastleigh, Nairobi, on March 11.

Jilmoge is also accused of obstructing authorised officers from performing their duties under tax law, by failing to provide his business details.

He allegedly obstructed Joycline Mugoiri, Joel King'ori and Lucky Musikote, all KRA officers.

Jilmoge denied the charges and was released on a Sh50,000 bond. The case will be heard on October 3, 2024.

For several months, KRA officers have been conducting operations in Eastleigh, targeting traders who import goods without adhering to due procedures, including tax payment.

The goods targeted by the taxman include dried mills, sugar, and rice.

In February, traders in the estate staged a demonstration, accusing the government of unfairly targeting certain shops. They claimed that their businesses were legitimate.