EACC Investigations into KRA Manager Joseph Chege Gikonyo
Press Release – CEO EACC Twalib Mbarak
Allegation
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has been conducting Investigations into allegations of possession of unexplained wealth by Joseph Chege Gikonyo, a Manager at the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and fraudulent failure to pay taxes by himself, his wife Lucy Kangai Stephen and their Company M/s Giche Limited.
Investigations
The Commission established that between the years 2010 and 2015, Joseph Chege Gikonyo and Lucy Kangai Stephen both being directors of Giche Limited accumulated unexplained assets amounting to Kshs 597,457,059. Subsequently, pursuant to Section 55(2) of the Anti-Corruption and Economics Crimes Act No 2 of 2003, a Civil Suit was filed at the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Division of the High Court for forfeiture of the assets.
Further, the Commission established that Joseph Chege Gikonyo and Lucy Stephen both being directors of Giche Limited fraudulently failed to pay taxes due to the Kenya Revenue Authority for the sum of Kshs 28,692,694 being the company’s tax due and accrued expenses.
Recommendations
Upon completion of the investigations and pursuant to Section 35 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act of 2003, the files was submitted to the Office of thee Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) who upon review has granted consent to apprehend and arraign before court Joseph Gikonyo and Lucy Stephen and M/s Giche Limited on charges of:
- Fraudulent failure to pay taxes to Kshs. 38,692,694 payable to KRA Contrary to Section 45(1)(d) as read with Section 48 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act No. 3 of 2003.
Action
The Commission has today arrested the following suspects, who will be arraigned in Court after processing:
- Joseph Chege Gikoonyo – Manager KRA and Director Giche Limited
- Lucy Kangai Stephen – Director Giche Limited
The suspects were expected to be arraigned in Court and take plea on June 30, 2020.
