A Nairobi court will today commence the hearing of a Sh14.5 billion tax evasion case against former Keroche CEO Tabitha Karanja.
Even though the parties in the case had told the court that they intended to settle it out of court, Milimani Senior Principal Magistrate Esther Kimilu said she would proceed in case they failed to agree.
In July, the magistrate gave a stern warning against delays in the case as Tabitha had failed to turn up in court.
Tabitha, however, presented herself in court after a warrant was issued against her. Kimilu gave the defence a warning to proceed with the hearing in the absence of the accused should she fail to attend.
Kimilu also cautioned Tabitha from changing advocates to delay the case. “We will not take the journey of delaying the case again,” she said.
The magistrate further said the matter is a 2019 case and she is answerable to the public if she doesn’t proceed. The court was also told that in case the parties want to settle out of court, the case will be taken for mediation.
Karanja stepped down as CEO and handed over the mantle to Chief Financial Officer Potas Anaya.
More witnesses to testify in former Treasury CS’s case
The case against former Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich and eight other co-accused will proceed even as more witnesses are expected to testify before trial magistrate Eunice Nyutu.
So far, 26 witnesses have been called to testify against the accused with the prosecution failing to lead testimonies of 15 witnesses.
Kibera Law Court to acquire High Court status
Kibera Law Court will officially be unveiled as a High Court and it will be operational from today.