A security guard attached to Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) in Eldoret has been charged with breaking into a KRA warehouse and stealing 1,860,520 sticks of uncustomed Supermatch cigarettes. The cigarettes, valued at Kshs.22,780,542, had been seized and deposited in the warehouse.

The guard was also charged with an alternative count of negligence to prevent a felony. He was apprehended by immigration officers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) while attempting to travel to the State of Qatar. The arrest followed the enforcement of the Departure Prohibition Order, which restricted the accused's departure from Kenya.

The accused appeared before the Eldoret Senior Principal Magistrate Hon. Maureen Kesse (SPM) where he denied the charges. He was denied bond after the prosecution opposed his release on bond on account of being a flight risk. If found guilty, the accused person may be liable to imprisonment to a term not exceeding seven years.

In a separate matter, one suspect has been charged at Kabarnet Law Courts with being in possession of 262.5 litres of undiluted and eight litres of diluted undenatured ethanol. The undenatured ethanol has a tax implication of Kshs. 362,223. The accused, jointly with another not before court, was charged with being in possession of the restricted goods contrary to EACCMA, 2004 and handling excisable goods without a licence contrary to the Excise Duty Act Cap 472 Laws of Kenya.

The accused was charged before Hon. Purity Koskey on 28th October 2026. She denied the charges and was released on bond of Kshs. 30,000 or a cash bail of Kshs. 20,000. The case is scheduled for hearing on the 16th of December 2026. If found guilty, the accused person shall be liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or to a fine equal to fifty percent of the dutiable value of the goods involved or both for counts one and two. They will further be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding two million shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to both for count three.

The interception marks a major milestone in KRA’s sustained efforts in not only facilitating legitimate trade but also in protecting the society from consumption harmful products. KRA is committed to disrupting and thwarting all schemes that threaten the integrity of effective revenue mobilisation and mobilisation efforts.

 The general public is urged to report any instances of tax evasion in order to ensure every person pays his fair share of taxes. All information received shall be kept confidential and identity of informant kept 100% anonymous. To report tax fraud, visit https://iwhistle.kra.go.ke/welcome/ or call : +254 20 4 999 999 or +254 711 099 999 for guidance.

Commissioner- Investigations & Enforcement