Kigame dismisses tax non-compliance claims
By Nancy Marende, August 2, 2025Deputy Party Leader of the Justice and Freedom Party (JFP), Reuben Kigame, has raised alarm after receiving an email from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) stating that he owes the government a staggering Ksh120 million in taxes, a claim he firmly disputes.
In a statement shared on social media on Saturday, August 2, 2025, Kigame questioned the legitimacy of the tax claim, pointing out that his monthly income rarely exceeds Ksh200,000.
“Yesterday I received an email from a KRA official, whom I will abbreviate as DW, alleging I owe the government taxes worth Ksh20 million. I make less than 200K in a good month,” he decried.
Kigame, who is a registered person with a disability (PWD), reminded the public and authorities that he qualifies for a tax exemption under Kenyan law.
Despite this entitlement, he says he has voluntarily complied with tax obligations as a self-employed citizen.
“Note that as a PWD, I am entitled to a tax exemption, but I voluntarily pay my taxes. I am a self-employed citizen owed millions from music royalties by this same government,” he stated.
The singer hinted that the timing of the email may not be coincidental, as it came a day after he filed a petition seeking to initiate a private prosecution of top security officials, including Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja.
“Coincidence or fighting back my petition? More later. I will not be intimidated,” he stated.
Petition
He stated that the legal petition is in response to the extrajudicial killings and severe human rights violations committed during the anti-government protests in 2024 and 2025.
During a press briefing on Thursday, July 31, Kigame accused the security chiefs of overseeing a campaign of “crimes against humanity” that resulted in the deaths of over 100 peaceful protesters and bystanders.
He further stated that numerous other individuals were abducted and tortured by state agents, with some later found dead.
The petition, filed at the High Court, seeks to obtain permission to prosecute the officials if state agencies fail to take action.
Kigame said he is acting on behalf of the victims and their families, stressing that the petition is the first step toward holding the leaders accountable for the brutality meted out on unarmed civilians.
Kigame revealed his intention to escalate the matter to the International Criminal Court (ICC). He warned that if the Kenyan judiciary fails to deliver justice for the victims of the protests, he is prepared to seek international intervention to ensure those responsible face trial for their alleged crimes.
“At Milimani Law Courts with my lawyer Gitobu Imanyara and comrade Alamin Kimathi earlier this morning to file a petition against Kenya’s top security bosses for their chain of command and callous detachment in the killing of over 100 citizens between 2024 and 2025,” Kigame said.
“I intend to escalate the matter right to the International Criminal Court (ICC), so help me God.”
He argued that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has failed to act, despite being aware of the crimes. Because of this inaction, Kigame is asking the court for permission to initiate criminal proceedings himself.