Tabitha Karanja and her husband Joseph Karanja were earlier today released on Sh10 million and Sh2 million cash bail or an alternative bonds of Sh15 million and Sh5 million respectively after denying the tax evasion charges touching their Keroche breweries.

This follows their arrest on Thursday on the orders of the Director of Public Prosecutions over alleged evasion of taxes amounting to Ksh.14.4 billion.

According to the DPP, an audit by KRA established that Keroche Breweries Limited evaded taxes by failing to pay Excise Duty and Value Added Tax (VAT) on its various products including Crescent Vodka, Viena Ice and Summit beers as well as duty stamps dating back to January 2015

Tabitha Karanja and her husband were also ordered to surrender their passports in court but the Chief Magistrate said they were free to inform the court should they wish to travel out of the country.

“When they wish to travel, they will have to notify the court to ensure their travels will not coincide with the time they’re required to attend to court and therefore cause inconvenience or delay in the proceedings,” he ruled.

Tabitha Karanja had protested the arrest orders saying it was a “gross violation, intimidation and harassment” of local investors.