Keroche Breweries is set to reopen today after both KRA and Keroche agreed to comply with the new rules and regulations that have been set by the high court.
Keroche Breweries Founder and CEO announced on Thursday, July 28th that she had been granted full permission to resume operations at the Naivasha plant. She was also ordered to be present at the 11 am ceremony, which the taxman will be in attendance.
The Nakuru UDA Senatorial candidate pledged that she would strive to meet all the company’s tax obligations. She thanked the court for hearing the case and ruling in her favor. Justice Abigail Mshila had directed that the factory be opened before the taxman could present its case in court.
“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 support.” She said.
“I thank the Judiciary for their impartiality and judicious view of the underlying circumstances.” She added.
Keroche Breweries was closed following a tax dispute with the KRA, a move Tabitha lamented forced her to retrench her employees. KRA claim that Keroche owes them Sh. 957 million in tax arrears.
The closure also took center stage at political rallies as Deputy President William Ruto and his allies accused the government of a witchhunt.
“Your days are numbered. You cannot close down a business because of politics. These people want to destroy thriving local businesses,” the DP stated at a rally in Kakamega in June 2022.
On his part, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga – a long-time ally of Tabitha called on the government to intervene in the matter to protect the employees from losing their jobs.
“If they can’t pay today, they will pay tomorrow. They are Kenyans. Where will they run away and go to? Spread out the debt, if they can’t pay today, help them to continue with their business,” Raila stated