A section of Nyamira leaders have condemned politicians for non-payment of revenue from some section of traders in the county.
Rapid Revenue Initiative chairman Monday Orucho said on Sunday some traders have evaded paying tax due to incitement from politicians who have their own interests.
“We have had a challenge of noncompliance in submitting revenue by our traders, but we know the politicians have been inciting them with no good reason,” Orucho told journalists.
He said the most troublesome is the boda boda sector that have vowed not to pay any penny to the government since they have no access to good roads which Orucho said is not true.
“The boda boda sector has threatened not to remit any revenue to the county, but we are on the move to ensure they pay revenue accordingly so that they get service from us," he said.
"There is no way you can refuse to pay revenue and expect services.”
On Friday, the boda boda riders in Nyamira town engaged police officers and county officers in running battles after the County Revenue department mounted a roadblock in a bid to identify those who have not paid the monthly sticker of Sh300.
The exercise saw a number of riders arrested and their motorbikes detained at Nyamira police station.
They are yet to be arraigned in court.
Governor Amos Nyaribo last month established the Rapid Revenue Initiative team that will enforce revenue collection across the county, saying development will only be achieved by paying revenue to the county.
“All we need is development. And without revenue, we cannot move, so it is for this reason that we want every trader to comply so that service can be provided to all of us,” Nyaribo said.
Nyamira county has been for the last few years facing challenges of handling revenue due to allegations that money meant for development goes to the pockets of certain individuals.
(edited by Amol Awuor)
