BY SAM ALFAN.
Billionaire Humphrey Kariuki has asked the court to order the opening of his Thika based company saying hundreds of workers are suffering.
Through lawyer Cecil Miller, the court heard that the fate of over 500 employees hangs in the balance following closure of the factory.
African Spirits Limited has also asked the court to allow them access to the cash in the closed factory which should be handed back to the Central Bank of Kenya in line with the order to recall Sh1,000 currency notes, before the September 30 deadline.
Yesterday Miller told Francis Andayi that he wants evidence taken at the factory on Friday after which it will be handed over to the owners.
He argued that the firm alongside WOW Beverages used to remit Sh150 million every month to the taxman and its ironical that they are unable to remit the same yet its shareholders are in court over tax matters.
“Since the prosecution had rushed to charge Kariuki and his co-accuses, they should be equally quick to prosecute the case,” said Miller.
The lawyer added that given the scenario, the taxman has lost 1.2 billion in revenue so far from African Spirits Limited and WOW Beverages.
He said there was concern over machinery at the factory and products stored there He also raised the issue of a death that occurred in the premises which he said they wanted the DPP to explain.
He said the DPP should table a post mortem report in court to state what caused the death since the owners of the factory have not had access for over six months.
