KRA Suspends 3 Officials Involved in Resale of Contraband Ethanol

Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) suspended three of its officials who were implicated in a scheme to resell condemned ethanol, one of the components used in some alcoholic drinks.

The three officials who were stationed at the Mombasa port are said to have gained access to Ksh40 Million worth of the seized ethanol and have resold it ahead of a scheduled auction.

"The goods had been gazetted for auctioning, on 9th August 2016.

"However, verification by stakeholders showed that the containers had been imported and concealed as diethylene glycol monobutyl ether.

[caption caption="Entrace to the Times Tower building in Nairobi which hosts the KRA headquarters"][/caption]

"Upon verification, they were not auctioned on the basis that they did not match the description. KRA lab experts identified the substance as ethanol and, therefore, the items were set aside for destruction," read a statement by Commissioner for intelligence and strategic operation Giithi Mburu

He further stated that the containers were irregularly re-gazetted under notice number 2535 in March 2018 for auction in April 2018.

"Preliminary evidence confirms that the goods were not sold on the floor of the auction but outside the normal auction process on June 27," the statement further outlined.

Explaining the action against the three officials, Mr Mburu's statement added that stern action would be taken against them following the suspension.

"KRA has a zero-tolerance policy on corruption and all KRA staff have the individual responsibility to uphold integrity at all times," the statement warned.

Ethanol has been the cause of multiple deaths across the country linked to illicit brews. Its potency is classified at double that of vodka and when consumed while pure often leads to death by alcohol poisoning.

[caption caption="Image of drums containing ethanol"][/caption]

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