This archive report was first published on 23 August 2019.
The Karen Hospital in Nairobi has expressed concern over the detention of Keroche director Joseph Karanja, citing a serious medical condition that requires regular medication.
According to a statement from Dr. D.K. Gikonyo, Mr. Karanja has recently undergone life-saving surgery and is currently under medical care.
On Thursday, Mr. Karanja and his wife Tabitha were arrested at their Naivasha-based brewery after being holed up at their offices for over 12 hours.
The Director of Public Prosecution, Noordin Haji, had issued a warrant for their arrest the previous night, accusing them of alleged evasion of taxes amounting to Ksh.14.4 billion.
However, in a quick rejoinder, Mrs. Karanja accused the DPP and the Kenya Revenue Authority of targeting her, insisting that the only dispute is over the applicable rate for Viena Ice ready-to-drink vodka, a matter that is being handled in court.
The Kenya Revenue Authority has since released a statement rubbishing the allegations of malice and prejudice, maintaining that they are pursuing those who have ‘deliberately chosen to evade taxes’.
