Keroche Industry Slapped with Ksh 22 Million Cash Bail in Tax Evasion Case

Keroche industry founders, Tabitha Mukami Karanja, and her husband and co-founder Joseph Karanja have been ordered to pay 10 million shillings cash bail for Mrs. Karanja and 2 million shillings to be paid in a week’s time for Mr. Karanja

Tabitha Karanja and her husband Joseph Karanja have been released today, 23^rd August 2019, by Nairobi Chief Magistrate Francis Andayi.

Appearing before the court, Mrs. Karanja pleaded not guilty on behalf of Keroche Breweries and so did Mr. Karanja.

Related Content: Tabitha Karanja and Husband To Be Arrested For Tax Evasion

Magistrate Andayi noted that the bail terms would vary with the court being lenient on Mr. Karanja because of his health as his Doctor; Doctor Gikonyo of Karen Hospital in Nairobi had written requesting his release on medical grounds.

“Joseph Karanja is to pay cash bail Ksh. 2million within seven days while Mrs. Karanja should pay Ksh. 10million immediately,” said Magistrate Andayi.

Keroche Breweries, which was the third accused, was ordered by the magistrate to pay 10million shillings cash bail within seven days after which all the directors would be arrested if the amount was unpaid.

The Karanja’s, according to the magistrate, are investors of the Country and cannot pose a flight risk.

The Karanja’s were, however, ordered by the magistrate to confirm with the court if at all they wished to travel to ensure it did not affect the case hearing.

According to prosecution, the Karanja’s, if found guilty of the tax evasion charges facing them, would have to part with around 28 billion shillings which is a double of the 14 billion shillings tax they are accused of evading.

“Consider if found guilty the sentence is of a fine double the tax evaded or to an imprisonment of ten years or both,” Prosecutor Alexander Muteti said.

Keroche Breweries is represented by Senior Counsel James Orengo.

The Keroche Breweries case will be mentioned on 2^nd September 2019 and while the pre-trial hearing will be on 24^th September 2019.

Also Read: Statement by Humphrey Kariuki 19.08.2019