The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has invited Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho to visit the nearest KRA Investigations and Enforcement office to sort out his KRA PIN issues.
KRA in a statement noted that the issuance of tax compliance certificate and blocking of any PIN is a normal procedure based on tax compliance of a person.
While responding to allegations by Governor Joho that his PIN had been blocked and was therefore unable to file his returns, the tax body explained that the tax matters on any person were confidential and cannot be discussed in public other than with the person or his appointed tax agent.
“The PIN owner has an obligation to file returns and is advised to contact KRA Investigations and Enforcement office in Mombasa or Nairobi for assistance in filing returns,” KRA's statement read in part.
The tax agency dismissed claims that it was frustrating the governor stating that it was committed to supporting individual taxpayers to meet their tax obligations.
On Thursday, Joho had claimed that he was unable to access his account on the KRA Portal after being informed that his PIN number had been suspended.
Joho alleged that KRA had blocked him online and thus he was unable to file his tax returns as required by law.
"I have been attempting to access the system online to file my returns but it's frustrating. The PIN has been suspended by KRA,” stated that Governor.
Joho raised an issue with the move claiming that it could be a plot to ensure that he fails to file his returns, an exercise which will be closed at the end of June.
This is not the first time KRA and Joho are engaged in a heated contest, in March, KRA launched a tax assessment on the Governor which led to his six bank accounts being frozen by the High Court.
The Authority claimed that the ODM deputy leader had not declared his returns since 2014 despite having a stable income.
The investigating officers added that Joho used to file nil tax whereas it was apparent he was earning and even had two high-end motor vehicles – a Rolls Royce and a Porsche Cayenne – registered by his name.
Read Also: Hassan Joho Suspended
