Spencer Sankale Ololchike, who came to the limelight after exposing corrupt activities at the Maasai Mara University, landed a new job as a member of the Tax Appeals Tribunal beginning Wednesday, May 10.
Spencer's appointment was gazetted by Chief Justice Martha Koome in a notice dated Friday, March 19.
The whistleblower was appointed to the position alongside twelve other members with whom he will serve for a period of three years, with the option of renewing their contracts.
"In the exercise of the powers conferred by section 4 of the Tax Appeals Tribunal Act, 2013, the Judicial Service Commission appoints (the individuals) to be members of the Tax Appeals Tribunal, for a term of three (3) years, with effect from May 10, 2023," CJ Koome stated in the Gazette Notice.
Spencer will serve alongside Ogaga Gloria Awuor, Ongeti Walter Juma, Diriye Abdullahi Mohamed, Vikiru Timothy Bunyali, Komolo Erick Onyango, Kashindi George Ashiono and Ng’ang’a Eunice Njeri
Other members of the Tax Appeals Tribunal included Makau Martin Mutiso James, Terer Boniface Kibiy, Bernadette Muthira Gitari and Muga Christine Anyango.
Spencer Sankale link to Masai Mara University
Spencer served as the Chief Finance Officer at Maasai Mara University but was sacked by the council after exposing a corruption scandal allegedly staged by the institution's officials.
The university council accused Spencer of carrying out a smear campaign against those that he deemed unfit to hold office at the university.
In 2021, Spencer exposed allegations of embezzlement of public funds, abuse of office, and other corrupt practices by senior officials at the university.
An investigation by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) found that senior officials at the university had embezzled over Ksh177 million in public funds.
The EACC also found that the officials had abused their office and engaged in other corrupt practices, such as awarding contracts to their friends and relatives without following due process.
The EACC filed charges against some of the officials who were alleged to have been involved in the scandal.
The whistleblower will now serve as a member of the Tax Appeals Tribunal in which he, together with the other members, will hear and determine appeals from a person who disputes the decision of the Commissioner on a tax matter arising under the tax law provisions.
Tax Appeals Tribunal (TAT) is composed of a chairperson and not less than fifteen but not more than twenty other members, of whom not less than five and not more than nine shall be advocates of the High Court of Kenya.
The chairperson and members of the TAT are appointed by the Judicial Service Commission on the recommendation of the Chief Justice.
The tribunal also has the power to issue directions, orders, and rulings on any matter arising in the course of its proceedings ad punish for contempt.
It plays an important role in ensuring that the tax laws are applied fairly and justly and its decisions help ensure that taxpayers are treated fairly and that the tax laws are interpreted consistently. The tribunal's decisions also helps promote public confidence in the tax administration.
TAT's mandate is to provide a fair and impartial forum for taxpayers to appeal the decisions of the Commissioner on tax matters.
The TAT's decisions are binding on the Commissioner and the taxpayer, and they are also subject to appeal to the High Court. The TAT plays an important role in ensuring that the tax laws are applied fairly and justly and that taxpayers are treated fairly.
