Keroche faces auction over Sh22m debt to former employees
Nakuru Senator Tabitha Karanja’s Keroche Breweries is facing the auction of its property over more than Sh22 million owed to 16 former employees following court awards for unlawful dismissal.
In separate rulings issued on different dates, the Employment and Labour Relations Court ordered the Naivasha-based brewer to compensate the former employees after finding that they had been unfairly dismissed.
In another case, the High Court ordered the brewery to pay its former Managing Director, Mr Sam Shollei, Sh45.5 million for wrongful dismissal.
The former employees held different positions at the company, which has also been embroiled in a long-running tax dispute with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) over alleged unpaid taxes.
One of the decrees, issued on April 2, 2026, ordered the company to pay former employee Mary Njeri Macharia an award of Sh970,000, plus interest, bringing the amount to about Sh1 million.
Another claimant, Henry Ogundo, is seeking Sh2.79 million from the company.
Following the court decrees issued on various dates this year, Keroche was directed to settle the employees’ awards together with interest and other attendant costs.
After the company failed to comply with the court orders, the court authorised Betabase Auctioneers to attach and sell the company’s movable property to recover the money owed to the former employees.
“These are to command you to attach the movable property of the said Keroche Breweries Ltd for sale by auction after giving seven days’ previous notice,” reads part of the warrant.
However, an attempt by the auctioneers to execute the court orders on Tuesday failed after police officers stopped the exercise while the factory gates remained locked.
A representative of the auctioneers told the Nation that the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Naivasha Police Station arrived at the premises and ordered them to leave.
“He said we had failed to follow the right procedures while executing the court orders, yet we had sought assistance from the sub-county police headquarters,” said the auctioneer.
The auctioneer accused the police of frustrating the execution of lawful court orders.
“Police were supposed to assist in enforcing the court order, not frustrate its execution,” he said.
He added: “We have been in this business for years and we know the processes involved in executing such orders. There is nowhere in the orders requiring the OCS to sign the documents, as he claims.”
The auctioneers have threatened to return to court to seek fresh orders directing the Sub-County Police Commander to facilitate the execution of the warrants.
Earlier, a senior police officer, who requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, confirmed to the Nation that officers had been deployed to provide security during the exercise.
“Police officers from Naivasha Police Station, as directed by the court, escorted the auctioneers to implement the orders,” he said.
On April 13, 2023, Ms Karanja was charged afresh in an alleged tax evasion case, which she has consistently maintained is politically motivated. She has argued that the dispute has led to repeated disruptions of the brewery’s operations, with the company previously saying it risked losing alcohol worth Sh500 million.
The company is also locked in a separate legal battle with its former General Manager, Mr Sam Shollei, who was awarded Sh45.5 million after the court found that he had been wrongfully dismissed.
Justice Hellen Wasilwa awarded Mr Shollei Sh52.5 million on September 27, 2022. After deducting Sh7 million that had already been paid, the outstanding amount stood at Sh45.5 million.
Recently, Mr Shollei filed an insolvency petition against the company, citing its failure to settle the debt despite the High Court judgment.
Additional reporting by Mercy Koskei.
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Comedies
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Creatives & Coins Podcast
A podcast that dives deep into the vibrant and rapidly evolving digital creative economy in Kenya. This show explores the lives, challenges, and triumphs of individuals who are successfully navigating the gig and creative economies. From digital artists and content creators to freelance writers and tech entrepreneurs, we spotlight the voices that are shaping the future of work in Kenya.
Documentaries
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Fixing The Nation
Fixing the Nation is a bold and groundbreaking show that will take an unflinching look at challenges facing the Kenyan society and the solutions that can move us forward. It is anchored by respected journalists Eric Lattif, Janet Mbugua, and Mariam Bishar. Podcast created by: Nation FM
Fixing the Nation
Fixing the Nation is a bold and groundbreaking show that will take an unflinching look at challenges facing the Kenyan society and the solutions that can move us forward. It is anchored by respected journalists Eric Lattif, Janet Mbugua, and Mariam Bishar
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Lunch N Rants
Take a minute outside your schedule to have a good laugh and conversations that resonate with you. Welcome to Lunch N Rant podcast where we talk about anything and everything life.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Primetime
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.