KRA officials seize uncustomed goods at Malaba border

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has launched investigations into suspected tax evasion after a Mombasa-bound bus was intercepted in Bungoma.

The bus from Kampala headed to Mombasa was found to be ferrying uncustomed goods worth millions of shillings. It was redirected to Malaba One Stop Border Post (OSBP) for further inspection.

The seizure occurred at around 1:00 am on a Saturday, after officers became suspicious when the driver diverted from the official route. The driver of the bus opted to take a longer route through Malaba border, avoiding Busia entry point, raising suspicion.

A police officer who sought anonymity, said passengers were delayed for over eight hours as the authorities inspected the bus.

"Our hands are tied as we can do little when it comes to such matters," said the officer.

He said concerns have been raised about corruption and the deliberate tampering of scanners at the border, which impedes efforts to curb tax evasion.

"There is speculation that the consignment belongs to a prominent individual, complicating the investigation. We have raised concerns about tax evasion syndicate at Malaba but the bosses always say it involves high profile persons in the country, a chain which can't be dismantled easily," he claimed.

KRA Western Region Head Patience Njau said that an official statement would be issued once experts complete the inspection.

"We are in the picture and we have dispatched experts to examine the items before we give an official statement," said Njau.