Win For Tabitha As KRA To Reopen Keroche Breweries

The taxman stated that the directive by Justice Abigail Mshila meant that it would reopen the factory, allowing it to resume operations.

admin admin
Jul 29, 2022 - 08:07
0
Win For Tabitha As KRA To Reopen Keroche Breweries
Keroche breweries founder, Tabitha Karanja. /FILE

Keroche Breweries is set to be reopened today following an agreement by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) in line with a court order issued on Thursday, July 28.

In a letter addressed to the brewing company, the taxman stated that the directive by Justice Abigail Mshila meant that it would reopen the factory, allowing it to resume operations.

Furthermore, the taxman directed Keroche breweries founder, Tabitha Karanja, who is eyeing the Nakuru senatorial seat, to be present at the opening ceremony at 11 am.

Deputy President William Ruto (right) welcomes Tabitha Karanja to UDA. /FILE

“During the mention, the Honorable Judge categorically stated that the application for contempt of Court would be heard by the said judge on August 2nd, 2022 and during the hearing she would not give audience to the Authority’s Counsel to address the court unless the Keroche factory is opened immediately.

"Therefore, based on the directions of the Honorable Justice Abigail Mshila, the Keroche factory will be opened tomorrow July 29th 2022 at 11:00 am. You are required to avail yourself at the premises for this purpose,” read the letter in part.

Karanja, on her part, took to social media to praise the development, thanking the taxman for agreeing to the conditions issued by the court.

"This evening, I have received a letter from KRA referencing today’s Court Session and the directions issued by the Court. In the said letter, KRA has agreed to re-open our factory tomorrow at 11:00 am. This is good news.

“I thank KRA for finally acceding to the sanction of the Court. I thank the Judiciary for their impartiality and judicious view of the underlying circumstances," she wrote.

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate added that following the reopening, the company would be committed to paying its taxes when due and strived to fulfil all its tax arrears and obligations.

“As Keroche Breweries, we solemnly undertake to pay our taxes as and when they fall due. In good time, we shall indeed settle all the underlying tax disputes. To our customers, stakeholders and well-wishers, we appreciate your concern and your continued great support,” she added.

Karanja had filed a petition against the tax authority for ignoring a Court order to reopen the plant based in Naivasha.

On July 14, 2022, the High Court issued orders for the firm to re-open on the condition that the brewer paid Ksh8 million on the 30th day of each month to the KRA until the next hearing which was scheduled for September 22, 2022.

On June 20, Karanja lamented the dire situation of witnessing more than 400 jobs being put in danger as well as the disposal of alcohol worth hundreds of millions after the closure of Keroche by KRA.

The closure also drew attention during political rallies as both Deputy President William Ruto and Raila Odinga took fault over the matter, urging the government to intervene before it cost many jobs and endanger the livelihoods of its employees.