EXCLUSIVE: ‘Not True’ — KRA Boss Does Not Own KSh 30 Billion in Wealth

A top official at the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has dismissed claims that Commissioner for the Micro and Small Taxpayers Department (MST) George Obel owns assets worth Ksh 30 billion, terming the reports false and malicious.

According to sources familiar with the matter, state that the allegations are part of a broader attempt to undermine the senior tax official, with several claims characterised as exaggerated or completely fabricated.

The claims further allege that Obel is under investigation by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Asset Recovery Agency (ARA) over alleged unexplained wealth.

However, sources who spoke to Hivileo dismissed the narrative, insisting that important details being shared publicly do not reflect the true ownership structure of the properties in question.

George Obel Denies Owning Ciala Resort

At the centre of the allegations is Ciala Resort, which has been cited as one of the high-value assets linked to Obel.

But according to sources, the facility is not owned by Obel alone.

“The truth is that this is a big facility with many shareholders. It is not owned by one person. Saying he owns it alone is misleading,” a source said in an interview.

The sources statement is backed by the CR12 which shows that the Resort is jointly owned.

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The source added that the Resort was started as a community-focused investment aimed at uplifting the local area, and not as a personal venture.

KRA Commissioner General Refutes Claims on Hospital and Steel Company

Other claims linking Obel to ownership of a hospital and a steel company were also dismissed as false.

“They are saying he owns Ciala Hospital, which is not true. They are also claiming there is a Ciala Steel Company, but that does not even exist,” the source said.

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The insider maintained that no records support the existence of such a company, noting that official documents such as CR12 records can verify actual company ownership.

Salary Claims Termed Inaccurate

Allegations that the commissioner earns about Ksh 468,000 per month were also challenged.

According to the source, the figure being circulated does not reflect the salary of a commissioner general.

“That figure is closer to what a manager earns. A commissioner general earns more than that,” the source explained.

Sources further dismissed claims that Obel owns vast tracts of land, describing his lifestyle as modest.

“He has a small house, less than a quarter acre. The claims about large land ownership are not true,” the source said.

The source described the commissioner as a dedicated public servant, attributing the allegations to individuals seeking to tarnish his name.

“This guy is a hard worker. He has brought a lot of changes since he came in,” the source added.

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Kenyans receiving services at the Kenya Revenue Authority headquarters. PHOTO/KRA.