This archive report was first published on 22 August 2019.
On August 22, 2019, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Haji ordered the arrest and arraignment of Keroche Breweries directors Tabitha Karanja and Joseph Karanja.
The couple is accused of evading taxes amounting to Sh14.45 billion since 2015, specifically failing to pay Sh12.34 billion in Value Added Tax (VAT) for various products, including stamps and Crescent Vodka.
Tabitha Karanja responded to the allegations, stating in a phone interview with Citizen that she feels unfairly targeted and has done her job for 22 years, paying taxes and creating jobs.
Her daughter, Anerlisa Muigai, has sent a message of encouragement to her parents during this turbulent moment, sharing a photo of herself posing with her mother accompanied by two rose flowers and a prayer emoji.
Reactions from Kenyans have been mixed, with some expressing support for the Karanjas, while others have criticized them for tax evasion.
