Renowned lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi has sparked fresh controversy with allegations that a financially struggling local importer is masterminding a plot to bribe Members of Parliament to manipulate tax policies.
According to Ahmednasir, the importer, dealing in tiles, ceramic sinks, and toilet products, is using underhanded tactics to stifle competition in its shrinking market.
In a damning statement, Ahmednasir revealed that the importer compiled a list of competing dealers and demanded they join a lobbying effort aimed at persuading Parliament to impose heavier taxes on similar imported goods.
City Lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi during a past media interview with Citizen TV
The goal, he claims, is to limit competition while inflating their profit margins.
The plot reportedly involves the creation of a KSh 300 million “war chest” to bribe MPs into supporting the tax regime changes.
The importer allegedly solicited contributions from competing dealers under the guise of hiring a “lobbyist” – a term Ahmednasir equates to outright bribery.
“Kenyans must know that our tax policy is determined not by sound economics or public interest, but by government and businessmen willing to manipulate Parliament,” he stated.
Ahmednasir claims to have copies of the letters sent to dealers, which include instructions for raising funds for the lobbying effort.
The allegations have sparked public outrage, with many questioning the integrity of legislative processes in Kenya. “This is a wake-up call for all of us. We must demand transparency and accountability,” Ahmednasir urged.
As the revelations unfold, the spotlight now turns to Parliament and whether authorities will investigate the claims.
With concerns mounting over the undue influence of private interests on public policy, Kenyans are closely watching the developments.
