A security guard linked to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has been denied bond after being charged with stealing seized cigarettes worth Sh22.78 million from a KRA warehouse in Eldoret.
The guard is accused of breaking into the warehouse and stealing 1,860,520 sticks of Supermatch cigarettes valued at Sh22,780,542. The cigarettes had previously been seized by the authority and were being held at the facility.
The accused faces a charge of theft and an alternative charge of failing to prevent a felony in connection with the alleged disappearance of the seized goods.
According to a statement issued by KRA on November 3, the suspect was arrested by immigration officers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport while attempting to travel to Qatar. His arrest followed the enforcement of a Departure Prohibition Order restricting him from leaving the country.
The accused was subsequently presented before Eldoret Senior Principal Magistrate Maureen Kesse, where he denied the charges.
The prosecution opposed his release on bond, arguing that he posed a flight risk and could potentially leave the country if released. The court agreed with the prosecution’s concerns and denied him bond, leaving him in custody as the case proceeds.
KRA said the accused, if found guilty, could face imprisonment for a term not exceeding seven years.
The authority described the prosecution as part of its efforts to combat illicit trade, safeguard government revenue and prevent the circulation of illicit goods in the Kenyan market.
The theft raises concerns about the security and accountability of goods seized by enforcement agencies and held in government-controlled facilities. Such goods are ordinarily retained as part of enforcement proceedings, making their protection important in efforts to deter illicit trade and safeguard public resources.
KRA has continued to pursue enforcement measures against individuals suspected of dealing in illicit goods and committing other tax-related offences.
The authority did not provide details on how the cigarettes were allegedly removed from the warehouse or whether additional suspects had been identified.
– By John Murunga
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