Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho at a past function. Photo/ barakafm.org
Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho has been barred from withdrawing money from his bank accounts at the Stanbic bank following a court directive. Justice Hedwig Ong'udi of the anti-corruption and economic crimes court has directed the ODM deputy leader not to withdraw Sh37 million held in his six accounts at the bank pending investigations. “Following the freeze orders, the monies will be preserved for at least 30 days," said Ong'udi, as quoted by The Star. Justus Kiuvu, one of the officers probing the matter, said Joho last filed tax returns in 2014 and returned nil income for all the others years he has been the county boss except 2010 when he returned Sh1,000 only."Despite declaring nil tax, he is the registered owner of two high-end motor vehicle Rolls Royce KBR 001R and Porsche Cayenne KCG 001J," he stated. Kivuvu further said the court had to free the accounts, arguing that Joho is likely to transfer the cash without their knowledge."It is for that reason that KRA intends to tax him. We are apprehensive Joho may frustrate the recovery of the taxes if information on the commissioner's intention to raise tax assessment is disclosed to him," he added.It is also reported that the governor has interest in different companies in the nation and the tax man has no information about assets in his name that may be used to recover the taxes. The directive comes a day after the governor reported at the DCI officers to record statement over forging his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education.