Probe tax evasion cartels at Mombasa port, urges lobby group

Clearing and forwarding agents operating at the Port of Mombasa have urged the government to investigate cartels working with unscrupulous workers to evade paying tax.

According to the Association of Importers of Kenya chairman Peter Mambembe, the country is losing millions of shillings in tax evasion occasioned by some Kenya Revenue Authority, Kenya Ports Authority and Container Freight Stations operators.

“The corruption purge should also target the port where cartels working with some government agents are fleecing the country millions of shillings in tax evasion,” he said by phone.

He praised President Kenyatta’s decision to suspend officials named in an anti-corruption report, saying those who refuse to step down should be compelled to do so.

“If they fail to heed the call, we shall be forced to move to court under certificate of urgency to compel them to respect the directive of the President that is meant to clean his government of tribalism, nepotism and favouritism,” he said.

At the same time, Senate Majority Chief Whip Beatrice Elachi wants the property of corrupt officials seized and their accounts frozen.

FREEZE ACCOUNTS

Speaking to the Nation by phone, Ms Elachi said that in the developed world when one is mentioned in a corruption case, they are required to step down and their accounts frozen until they are exonerated.

“Although a number of people have stepped down we are yet to see their accounts frozen or their property seized as they await the outcome of the investigations,” Ms Elachi said.

The senator, however, expressed fears that the courts might be an obstacle to the fight against corruption if individuals implicated seek legal redress or try to stop the investigations.

“By stepping aside it does not mean you are losing your position but only give the EACC a chance to conduct its duties without undue interference by implicated individuals,” she said.