This archive report was first published on 23 August 2019.
The Director of Public Prosecution had issued a warrant for the arrest of Keroche directors Joseph Karanja and his wife Tabitha on August 22, 2019, for alleged evasion of taxes amounting to Ksh.14.4 billion.
On Thursday, August 22, 2019, the couple was arrested at their Naivasha-based brewery after being holed up at their offices for over 12 hours.
However, just hours after their arrest, a statement from Dr. D.K. Gikonyo, the Medical Director of Karen Hospital, warned that detaining Mr. Karanja in a police cell would put his life in danger.
Dr. Gikonyo stated that Mr. Karanja has a serious medical condition that requires regular medication and has recently undergone life-saving surgery.
The hospital further warned that detaining him in a police cell would be detrimental to his health.
On the other hand, the Director of Public Prosecution, Noordin Haji, had ordered that the couple be arrested and prosecuted for alleged tax evasion.
However, in a quick rejoinder, Mrs. Karanja accused the DPP and the Kenya Revenue Authority of targeting her and her husband.
She insisted that the only dispute is over the applicable rate for Viena Ice ready-to-drink vodka, a matter that is being handled in court.
