kutaifisha

How to say it

Meaning

To take property into state ownership, either by seizing it from someone as a penalty, such as assets from corruption or smuggling, or by nationalizing a private company.

Good to know

Takes a direct object: kutaifisha mali, to confiscate property; kutaifisha kampuni, to nationalize a company. The passive kutaifishwa, to be confiscated, is common in court news.

Examples

• Mahakama iliamuru kutaifisha magari yaliyotumika kusafirisha magendo.The court ordered the confiscation of the vehicles used for smuggling.
• Serikali ilitaifisha benki zote mwaka ule.The government nationalized all the banks that year.
• Mali za kiongozi huyo fisadi zilitaifishwa.The corrupt leader’s assets were confiscated.