A Nyeri bartender has been sentenced to one year in jail for selling goods affixed with counterfeit excise stamps.
The convict, Terresah Njeri Wanjiru, has been given an alternative of paying a Ksh500,000 fine after pleading guilty to the charges.
In a statement, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) announced that Wanjiru had been charged alongside another suspect, Ann Wanjiru Thongori, who failed to appear in court prompting a warrant of arrest to be issued.
“A bar operator has been handed a one-year jail sentence or a fine of KShs 50,000 for selling excisable goods affixed with counterfeit excise stamps,” the taxman stated.
“Terresah Njeri Wanjiru, who was charged alongside Ann Wanjiru Thongori appeared before Nyeri Senior Resident Magistrate Hon. Mercyline Lubia where she pleaded guilty to the charges. Her co-accused Ann Wanjiru Thongori failed to appear in court prompting the issuance of a warrant of arrest.”
The two were arrested on February 24 at Heshima Bar in Chorongi while selling alcoholic beverages branded Smart Vodka affixed with counterfeit excise stamps with a tax implication of Ksh3,617.
Another bartender charged
“In the same court, a warrant of arrest was issued against Teresiah Wamucie who also failed to appear in court to answer to similar charges. Wamucie is accused of selling alcoholic beverages branded J Movers Vodka brands at Equinox bar affixed with fake stamps with a tax implication of Ksh4,254,” KRA added.
KRA says more than 70 suspects involved in illicit trade and tax frauds have been charged since July 1, 2023. According to the taxman, this has helped avert a tax loss of over Ksh80 million.
“KRA is working closely with other government agencies in the fight against illicit trade. Deployment of robust investigations and intelligence techniques has led to successful interceptions and deterrence of devious trade across the country,” the taxman added.
