By Salim Mutuma
Azimio la Umoja Presidential candidate Raila Odinga has defended recently shut down Naivasha based Keroche Brewies, a firm linked to Nakuru UDA Senate aspirant Tabitha Karanja and asked the government to reopen it.
The firm was shut by Kenya Revenue Authority over tax arrears.
Mr Odinga asked the government to allow the brewery continue operating as its closure had not only affected the investor but hundreds of employees.
“There is no need to close down a business because somebody defaulted in paying taxes. Let Keroche be and don’t kill Keroche. Allow her pay (taxes) tomorrow if she cannot pay today. Help her grow her business so that she can continues to pay the taxes,” he said, adding that you cannot kill the goose that lays the golden egg.
During a meeting with business leaders from Mt Kenya in Murang’a, the former Prime Minister said his government will support and provide an enabling environment to private sector as an engine for economic growth.
If elected in August 9 elections, Mr Odinga said he will lower taxes on products and remove bureaucratic red flag and restrictive laws for improved economy.
“When taxes are too high and punitive, there is a tendency to evade them but if low and manageable, people will pay,” he said.
Accompanied by his running mate Martha Karua and Azimio leaders, Mr Odinga said there was need for any government to spread the net and allow citizens pay taxes in a friendly manner.
He promised to continue with the ongoing reforms in agriculture sector for increased productivity and improved livelihoods.
“We will also provide certified seeds and lower the prices of farm inputs, link farmers to markets locally and outside the country and also improve road among other infrastructure,” Mr Odinga promised.
The Azimio leader also said his adminstration would establish industries in the region for among others value addition of the locally produced commodities.
“I appeal to all of you to work with us and I assure you that my government will prioritize your issues and protect you and your businesses wherever you are in our country,” he assured the audience while stressing that he was committed to making Kenya a manufacturing hub in East Africa.
Ms Karua said graft would be a thing of the past in their government.
Deputy President William Ruto on Wednesday also defended the firm terming it a big industrialist, employing many Kenyans and giving business to others.
