Karen Hospital warns against detaining Keroche boss Joseph Karanja in police cell

The Karen Hospital in Nairobi has warned that Keroche director Joseph Karanja should not be detained in a police cell.

A statement from Dr. D.K. Gikonyo released just hours after Mr. Karanja and his wife Tabitha were arrested said he is under medical care.

Also Read: Keroche CEO Tabitha Karanja dismisses Ksh.14B tax evasion claims as ‘intimidation’

“He has a serious medical condition that requires regular medication. He has recently undergone life saving surgery,” Dr. Gikonyo said.

The Hospital further warned that detaining him in a police cell would put Mr. Karanja’s life in danger.

On Thursday, the Keroche directors were arrested at their Naivasha-based brewery after being holed up at their offices for over 12 hours.

The Director of Public Prosecution had issued a warrant for their arrest the previous night.

DPP Noordin Haji ordered that they be arrested and prosecuted for 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.

She insists that the only dispute is over applicable rate for Viena Ice ready-to-drink vodka, a matter that is being handled in court.

KRA has since released a statement rubbishing the allegations of malice and prejudice.

On Thursday, the taxman maintained that they are pursuing those who have “deliberately chosen to evade taxes”.