This archive report was first published on 22 August 2019.
On August 21, 2019, Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui spoke out against the arrest of businesswoman Tabitha Karanja and her husband, Joseph Karanja, over allegations of tax evasion.
The Governor expressed his disappointment with the actions taken by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Noordin Haji, against the couple, who are the owners of Keroche Breweries.
According to the Governor, the quest to enhance tax collection must be balanced with the need to protect businesses and save jobs.
“We must encourage a tax system that enhances compliance while appreciating the economic realities that businesses operate in,” he reiterated.
He also highlighted that Keroche Industries Ltd is a major employer in Naivasha and the entire region, with over 500 employees who are directly engaged by the company and thousands of others who are indirect beneficiaries.
Tabitha Karanja, however, stressed that the company has not been involved in tax evasion and said it was inappropriate for the firm to be subjected to “humiliation and intimidation”.
She further clarified that the DPP had not issued her any formal letter regarding the allegations, stating that only received the information through social media.
The billionaire strongly believes she’s being targeted by her competitors who are using the wrong office.
