KRA Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga Allegedly Received Bribe to Halt Tecno Tax Evasion Probe

Nairobi, January 4, 2025– In a shocking revelation that has potentially far-reaching implications for Kenya’s fiscal integrity, news sources claim that Humphrey Wattanga, the Commissioner General of the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), allegedly received a bribe of Ksh. 100 million from officials of the Chinese tech giant, Tecno Mobile. The bribe, according to sources, was intended to stop investigations into Tecno’s alleged tax evasion, which is claimed to total over Ksh. 400 billion.

The allegations surfaced through posts on X, where it was suggested that the payment was made to suppress a damning report and effectively halt further probes into Tecno’s financial practices in Kenya. Tecno, known for its affordable smartphones, has been accused of colluding with corrupt KRA officials to evade taxes, a practice that if proven, could represent one of the largest instances of tax evasion in the country’s history.

Humphrey Wattanga, who has been at the helm of KRA since August 2023, was previously noted for his efforts to modernize tax administration and increase revenue collection through technological integration. However, these new allegations cast a shadow over his tenure, suggesting possible corruption at the highest levels of the tax authority.

The claims have ignited discussions, with many expressing outrage and demanding accountability. The general sentiment seems to be one of disbelief and concern over how such large-scale tax evasion could go unchecked if the allegations hold true. There’s also a significant call for a thorough investigation not just into Tecno’s operations but also into the KRA’s internal practices.

Web sources also indicate that there have been previous summons and investigations related to tax evasion under Wattanga’s leadership, focusing on different companies. These instances paint a complex picture of KRA’s ongoing struggle with tax evasion and the challenges in enforcing compliance among large corporations.

No official statement has been released by KRA or Tecno concerning these allegations. The lack of immediate response from both entities has only fueled speculation and public demand for transparency. The Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission (KACC) has yet to comment on whether they will launch an investigation into these serious allegations.

The economic implications of such a scandal are significant. If confirmed, the evasion of such a colossal amount in taxes could have deprived the Kenyan government of essential revenue, potentially affecting public services and infrastructure development.

As this story develops, it will be critical to monitor any official investigations, statements, or actions from both KRA and Tecno. The integrity of one of Kenya’s key institutions for revenue collection is at stake, alongside the broader implications for corporate accountability in Africa’s tax regimes.

This incident also raises questions about the effectiveness of current checks and balances within KRA, especially concerning high-profile cases involving multinational companies. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether these allegations will lead to a broader crackdown on corruption or if they will dissipate without significant repercussions.