Once again, widespread tax evasion has been exposed, rocking Kenya’s faltering economy. At the heart of this scandal is Deepak Rajoriya, the director of Oki General Trading Kenya Limited, who now stands accused of orchestrating one of the country’s most elaborate tax fraud schemes.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) recently conducted investigations that revealed how Rajoriya and his business, Oki General, allegedly avoided paying millions in taxes by using shell companies. The illegal importation of perfumes worth over USD 300,000 (roughly KSh 39 million) is at the heart of the case. This shipment was shockingly cleared into Kenya with duty payments of just KSh 2 million, a small portion of the total amount owed to the government.
How the Plan Functioned
This was not a careless error. Investigators claim that the fraudulent entry was initially submitted under Satnam Limited, a business that was already heavily in arrears on its taxes. Almost immediately, the documentation was shifted to Satnam Kenya Investment Limited in what appears to be a deliberate attempt to hide the fraud.
This shell game strategy has become a trademark of Deepak Rajoriya and his associates. They have remained ahead of regulators by erasing accountability, shifting assets between companies, and manipulating FGR paperwork.
Adding to the controversy is the involvement of Karan Badlani, a director of Satnam Limited, who reportedly lived in Kenya for over two years without a valid visa. His presence and role in the network raise serious questions about immigration enforcement and regulatory oversight.
The Network Behind Oki General Trading
At the core of this web is Oki General Trading Kenya Limited, presented to the public as a legitimate trading company. However, investigations suggest that under the leadership of Deepak Rajoriya, Oki General functions as a hub for fraud and tax evasion.
Rajoriya is charged with operating a network of domestic and foreign shell corporations with the sole purpose of taking advantage of tax loopholes, syphoning off profits overseas, and destroying Kenya’s economy in tandem with his close ally Karan Badlani. While Rajoriya allegedly manipulates import documents, Badlani provides cover by registering and shifting ownership between companies.
The Cost to Kenya’s Economy
Every fraudulent shipment cleared through their racket translates to money stolen from Kenyan citizens. Taxes meant to fund hospitals, schools, and roads are instead diverted into private pockets. This form of economic sabotage not only undermines development but also forces ordinary Kenyans to shoulder the financial burden.
Calls for Action
This scandal is far more than a minor tax irregularity. It stands for widespread economic theft that needs to be prevented. Now, analysts and civil society organisations are calling on the Kenya Revenue Authority and other government organizations to punish those involved severely and go beyond simple raids.
Among their suggestions are
Prosecuting Deepak Rajoriya, Oki General Trading Kenya Limited, and associates for tax fraud and forgery.
Enforcing asset seizures to recover stolen public funds.
Blacklisting the companies involved from operating in Kenya.
Imposing permanent bans on individuals like Rajoriya and Badlani to protect the country’s economic interests.
A Strong Message is Needed
Kenya must send a firm and clear warning: the country will no longer be a safe haven for fraudsters hiding behind “legitimate businesses”. The era of unchecked tax fraud must end, starting with holding Deepak Rajoriya and Oki General Trading Kenya Limited accountable for their actions.
