KRA Seeks to Withdraw Sh2.2 Billion Tax Evasion Case Against Businesswoman Mary Wambui

Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has filed an application to withdraw a Sh2.2 billion tax evasion case against businesswoman Mary Wambui Mungai, who was recently appointed by President Ruto as the Chairperson of the Communication Authority of Kenya.

On Monday, the anti-corruption court in Nairobi heard that KRA and Wambui have agreed on an out-of-court settlement following negotiations that commenced in October.

But the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Haji requested 30 days to review the KRA’s decision to drop the case and evidence. Trial magistrate Felix Kombo granted the DPP’s request and set January 10th, 2023, as the mention date for the case.

Wambui, her daughter Purity Njoki and their trading company Purma Holdings Limited were arraigned in court in December 2021 over allegations of evading taxes amounting to Sh2.2 billion. The two pleaded not guilty to seven counts of omitting tax returns totaling Sh2,231,789,125 alongside Purma Holdings.

Through the company, Wambui is said to have earned billions of shillings from tenders at Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (Kemsa), the military, among other government agencies.

The businesswoman is known in political circles as Wambui wa Ruto due to her close association with President Ruto.

Activist Julius Ogogoh has since moved to court to challenge Wambui’s appointment as the chairperson of the Communications Authority, citing the tax evasion case and failure to meet the minimum qualifications for the position.

Ruto appointed her to the position for a three-year term to replace Gilbert Kibe, who resigned last Friday over personal reasons.