In a statement, the KRA Southern Region Coordinator confirmed that enforcement actions were taken against the media house, which owns popular Radio Rahma, after “all due diligence procedures were followed, including the issuance of demand notices.”
The tax authority said engagements with Rahma Broadcasting’s management have been ongoing since the taxes became due, but the company failed to honour commitments reached.
“Today’s activity at Rahma Broadcasting Limited is part of normal KRA’s Enforcement operation,” the statement read. “The Authority remains committed to facilitating taxpayers and ensuring compliance with tax laws.”
The raid comes days after Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, who owns the radio station, imposed a controversial ban on the sale and consumption of the mild stimulant muguka in the county. Nassir has linked the KRA’s actions to his stance on the muguka trade, suggesting it is an act of intimidation.
“The timing of this raid is suspect, and we will not be cowed by such tactics,” Nassir told reporters.
However, KRA officials have refuted the governor’s claims, maintaining that the enforcement measures are part of routine tax compliance efforts.
The High Court has temporarily halted Nassir’s muguka ban, and county officials attempted to block lorries carrying the stimulant from entering Mombasa, escalating tensions around the controversial trade.
