Tabitha Karanja has denied being the brains behind the Naivasha-based brewing company Keroche breweries limited.
This after a petition was filed in a court of law seeking to bar her from contesting for the Nakuru senatorial seat.
In an affidavit responding to the petition that was filed by Daniel Mahiri Gichaga, Karanja claimed that she is only an employee of the embattled brewer.
“I am employed by Keroche Breweries Limited as a Director and CEO but I am not the owner of the company as alleged by the petitioner,” she revealed.
Mahiri was also eyeing the Nakuru senatorial seat on a UDA ticket but lost to Karanja. He claims that Karanja is unfit to hold a public office.
According to him, the company she heads has been in frequent battle with the taxman since 2006.
Karanja responded to that saying that Mahiri only is selfish and is keen to eliminate competition for his personal gains.
She however admitted that they have been having troubles with KRA which is normal like any other business as well as other taxpayers but does not understand why Mahiri links the company’s tax woes with an individual.
“In any event, I do not understand what the tax relations of Keroche Breweries Limited have to do with me as a private person distinct from the company,” she noted.
Karanja has been so vocal in fighting for the survival of Keroche, after KRA shut down the company multiple times due to tax arrears dating to years back thus threatening its existence.
Both parties however reached an agreement in mid-March this year that will see the brewer clear the Kshs957 million tax arrears within a period of 24 months.
On Matters of politics, Karanja won the UDA primaries that were organized In April by defeating five other contestants. She won by 98,439 votes.
Mahiri came second with 12, 240 votes.
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