Reprieve for Sonko as tribunal orders KRA to unfreeze his bank accounts

The ruling directed KRA to remove the agency notices placed on Sonko’s accounts at Equity Bank and Co-operative Bank, pending the determination of his appeal in an ongoing tax dispute.

The Tribunal, chaired by Hon. Dr. Rodney Oluoch, held that the taxes in question remain disputed and are therefore not collectable at this stage under Section 52(2) of the Tax Procedures Act.

“The taxes subject to the said agency notices are disputed and not yet determined, hence not collectable pending the hearing and determination of this appeal,” the Tribunal ruled.

Sonko’s legal team had argued that the agency notices were issued prematurely and unlawfully, effectively freezing millions of shillings in his accounts without due process. The Tribunal agreed, granting the former governor temporary relief as the substantive appeal proceeds.

The decision now allows Sonko access to his funds while the Tribunal continues to consider the merits of his challenge against KRA’s tax assessments.