Court Drops Sh2.2 Billion Tax Evasion Case Against Businesswoman Mary Wambui

A Sh2.2 billion tax evasion case against businesswoman Mary Wambui and her daughter Purity Njoki has been dropped.

Anti-corruption magistrate Felix Kombo withdrew the matter on Tuesday after the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) informed the court that Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) reached an out-of-court agreement with the accused persons.

The DPP requested that the charges against the two be dropped under Section 204.

Last month, KRA wrote to the DPP requesting him to facilitate the withdrawal of the charges. 

"Following successful compounding of offences on December 6th, 2022, and subsequent payment of fines imposed, the authority now wishes to withdraw the matter pending before the court," read the letter.

In acquitting Wambui and her daughter, magistrate Kombo directed the cash bail of Sh50 million they had deposited in court be released to them.

Wambui and Njoki, who are directors of Purma Holdings Limited, had been charged with seven counts of omitting tax returns totaling Sh2,231,789,125.

Through the company, the two are 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.

Last month, Ruto appointed her as the Chairperson of the Communication Authority of Kenya (CA) to replace Gilbert Kibe, who resigned over personal reasons.