Major scandal rocks Bata Shoe Company

BY SHEM KOSSE, Kisumu based freelance journalist,
phone :0723103445/0733380116

A high-level scandal that is similar to Anglo- leasing or Goldenberg scandal, has rocked one of the branches of the globally reputable Shoe Company, BATA.

The scam that will soon wake up Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Kenya Anti Corruption Commission (KACC) and Anti-Fraud Unit from deep slumber continues to take its toll at the Kisumu’s Bata Depot, unabated.

At the center of the scam are the depot’s manager Mr. Paul Mutisya and regional manager Mr. Mukangulla.

The duo have allegedly hatched a well orchestrated syndicate to milk dry the company’s coffers and also deny the government the much needed revenue, through tax evasion.

According to documentary evidences availed to us, indicates that they have acquired dubious cash sales receipts, invoices, different from the company’s and further made a rubber stamp bearing V.AT number that completely contrast, the one for the company.

The company’s V.A.T number is 8/0010776A while their forged VAT number is 0010776A.

And in a bid to further mint millions of shillings that will see the company coming to its knees, the pair conspirators who appear to be overwhelmed by their overnight fortunes are issuing delivery notes as cash sales receipts.

Investigations, reliably, went on to reveal that the Depot is only allowed to sell a minimum of six pairs of shoes with a discount offer of 20 percent. But, this rule has been swept below the red carpet and substituted with a meager 5 percent. And with the two lining their bottomless pockets, with the difference, averred the sources privy to the clandestine goings.

However, when the Depot’s manager was reached for verification, he denied vehemently the allegations, thundering that “take the matter to the CID officers to investigate”.

Thus giving credence to reports swirling over that one of the senior CID officers (name withheld) at the Kisumu’s Divisional office, who is widely believed to be offering him protection, is always seen walking into and coming out of the shop, smiling broadly carrying hefty luggage, which is any one’s guess, stuffing into his car.

Some of the fake invoice No.s that have ripped off the company and denied taxman millions of shillings are: 077(dated 5th February 2007), 030(dated 10th February 2007), 046(dated 2nd February 2007) among other avalanches of receipts that are not numbered though dated and fake- rubber-stamped.