Tax Gambit

The Mombasa branch of the Kenya Revenue Authority occupied a modern six-story building near the city center, its glass facade reflecting the morning sunlight with an almost blinding intensity.

Amani stood before it, the weight of responsibility pressing down on his fifteen-year-old shoulders with far more force than any football match had ever exerted.

In his hand, he clutched a folder containing bank statements, transfer confirmations, and the tax assessment documents Fatuma had helped them prepare.

Today was the day they would clear all tax owed on the Malindi land. A financial sacrifice that represented their most decisive move yet in the battle against Jumaane and his powerful backers.

"Are you ready?" Halima asked, her voice gentle but firm. She had initially protested when Amani insisted on using his Utrecht earnings for this purpose, but had ultimately recognized the necessity of his decision.