Two MCAs accused of faking disability for tax exemption

By George Amolo

The National Council for Persons with Disability (NCPWD) has launched investigations into three individuals, including two members of Siaya County Assembly, who allegedly faked disability to acquire tax exemption certificates.

Citizen Digital has learnt that the council is currently scrutinizing its tax exemption assessment reports after noticing that many people were using illegal medical examination documents to acquire the tax exemption certificates.

It has been established that unscrupulous individuals, who have no form of disability, falsified medical reports for financial gain.

According to a reports obtained by Citizen Digital, the two nominated MCAs Rosemary Ogutu and Anastasia Augo allegedly lied about having hearing and visual impairments respectively. Bernard Alaru, who is an employee of the county government, claimed to be physically challenged.

The Association for the Physically Disabled of Kenya’s (APDK) Siaya branch Chairman, Rev. Kenneth Wachianga, condemned the three for their dishonesty. Additionally, he blamed the doctor who falsified the medical records for them.

Wachianga expressed disappointment that MCA’s, who should take a leading role in protecting the constitution, are the ones violating the same laws.

The APDK County Chair called for the disbandment of the assessment board and told the two MCAs involved in the scam to tender their resignations since they had violated chapter six of the constitution.

On her part, county legislator Anastasia Augo denied the allegations saying she followed due process in the acquisition of the tax exemption certificates. Augo stated that after being involving in a road accident, she was examined by a doctor at Siaya County Referral Hospital who recommended for a tax exemption certificate.

However, Mr. Alaru and Rosemary Ogutu both denied the claims saying they have not obtained the said certificate.

Rosemary, who was nominated to the Assembly on a Ford Kenya ticket, condemned those spreading the rumors that she is among those who had faked disability to obtain the tax exemption certificates. She stated that she has no disability that would cause her go for the document.

If the certificates are approved, the MCAs will be exempted from paying taxes worth at least Ksh50, 000 per month.