Nairobi, Dec. 16 -- The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) faces a legal dilemma in the wake of President William Ruto's directive to the taxman to go slow on issuing distress orders that trigger asset seizures of suspected tax evaders.

Dr Ruto has asked the KRA to desist from seizing the assets of suspected tax evaders and disabling businesses through forcible occupations and blockade of bank accounts.

This has effectively weakened the KRA's hand in enforcing sections of the Tax Procedures Act, especially on the distress order.

Going hard on tax cheats, especially closure of businesses, in line with the law could drag the taxman into a fight with the President while a softer approach on suspected cheats could abet tax evasion and derail it...