This archive report was first published on 23 August 2019.
On August 23, 2019, it was reported that Keroche Industries, a licensed brewery, was at the center of a government crackdown on illicit brews. However, many saw this as a revenge attack on the company's CEO, Tabitha Karanja, due to her support for Raila Odinga, the former Prime Minister.
As early as 2008, Raila Odinga had been a strong supporter of Keroche Industries, attending the opening of their modern facility despite President Kibaki's snub. Their friendship has been a subject of controversy, with many questioning the government's motives behind the crackdown.
When President Uhuru Kenyatta declared war on illicit brews in 2015, Keroche Industries was once again targeted. However, the company's officials, led by Tabitha Karanja, thwarted the attempt to raid the factory, sparking outrage on social media.
Tabitha Karanja has since claimed that the raid was motivated by a political witch hunt, with many Kenyans questioning the government's inability to protect legitimate beer manufacturers during the crackdown.
It was no surprise, therefore, to see James Orengo, a senior counsel and ally of Raila Odinga, represent Tabitha Karanja in court, further fueling speculation about the government's motives.
