This archive report was first published on 23 August 2019.
On August 23, 2019, the Director of Public Prosecutions issued orders for the arrest of Tabitha Karanja and her husband Joseph Karanja, directors of Keroche brewery, for failing to pay taxes amounting to Sh14 billion from 2015.
The couple appeared in court on Friday, where they listened carefully as the court prosecutor read the charges. Joseph Karanja, who was seated due to his health condition, remained composed, while Tabitha Karanja stood and responded to each accusation with a firm 'not true.'
Represented by Lawyer James Orengo, the Keroche directors denied the charges, with Orengo arguing that the amount of money in question (Sh14 billion) is under dispute and should be taken into consideration by the court.
He also noted that the accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty and that the court should not be carried away by the amount of money said to be in tax arrears.
Furthermore, Orengo prayed that the court takes into consideration the health condition of Mr Karanja, who recently underwent lifesaving surgery.
He also made a humorous remark, reminding the court not to go against the Bible by separating the two accused who are husband and wife, citing the phrase 'what God has put together let no man put asunder.'
