Stephen Kipkiyeny Tarus, the former Assistant Minister for Internal Security in Kenya, has been arraigned before the Anti-Corruption Court for falsification of export documents.

The Minister was arrested on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, by Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) officials and arraigned before the Anti-Corruption Court on January 11, 2024.

Tarus, who appeared before the anti-corruption court presided over by Her Worship Esther Asiimwe, is accused of gold smuggling, fraud, and forgery of URA documents, including a receipt claiming to have paid USD 30,000 in Kampala for the movement of the gold, causing revenue loss to the Government of Uganda.

According to URA, the gold was destined for Dubai, where one of the suspect‘s clients is based. He was remanded to Luzira Prison until January 18, 2024.

Tarus, a 57 year old served as an assistant minister under the late President Mwai Kibaki and as Kenya’s high commissioner to Australia between 2009 and 2012. He was also a Member of Parliament for the Emgwen constituency between 2003 and 2007.