Raila-linked firm workers have case to answer over Sh20m tax evasion suit

Two employees of Spectre International have been put on the defence for diverting consignments of neutral spirit destined to a beer manufacturer in Mwanza, Tanzania, resulting into a tax loss of Sh20 million.

By Richard Munguti
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Summary

• Two employees of Spectre International have been put on the defence for diverting consignments of neutral spirit destined to a beer manufacturer in Mwanza, Tanzania, resulting into a tax loss of Sh20 million.
• Milimani Chief Magistrate Francis Andayi put Mr Salim Nyakundi Masea and Mr Joseph Njenga Thimwa on their defence in the tax evasion case.
• The two are accused of diverting three lorries transporting 32 drums of the high quality spirit used to manufacture dry gin in October 2016.

Milimani Chief Magistrate Francis Andayi put Mr Salim Nyakundi Masea and Mr Joseph Njenga Thimwa on their defence in the tax evasion case.

The two are accused of diverting three lorries transporting 32 drums of the high quality spirit used to manufacture dry gin in October 2016.

Spectre International is part of the flagship business of opposition chief Raila Odinga, but the company is different from his other company East African Spectre, the liquefied petroleum gas cylinder manufacturer based in Nairobi.

The lorries were commandeered by two accused together with Mr John Mayenga Ongechi all drivers of Patialla Distillers Kenya Limited, which is situated in Embakasi, Nairobi where the unaccustomed goods were recovered.

Mr Mayenga escaped soon after he was released and his cash bail was forfeited to the state as a warrant of his arrest hang over his head.

While ordering Mr Nyakundi and Mr Njenga to defend themselves, Mr Andayi also acquitted eight other co-accused persons including two directors of Patialla Distillers- Ms Mary Waigwe Muthoni and Mr Francis Kiambi for lack of evidence.