A Nairobi court has lifted a warrant of arrest issued against Nakuru Senator Tabitha Karanja.
This is after the senator voluntarily appeared in Court today after being placed under warrant by the same Court on Wednesday.
The senator was appearing in Court to answer charges of Sh14.5 billion tax evasion an offense alleged to have been committed when she was the former Keroche CEO.
Karanja stepped down as CEO a month ago and handed over the mantle to Chief Financial Officer Potas Anaya.
Milimani senior principal magistrate Esther Kimilu gave the defence a warning of proceeding for hearing in the absence of the accused should she fail to attend.
“I adjourn this case and lift the warrant of arrest for Tabitha Karanja. Let it be noted that the trial will proceed if she fails to attend court as provided under Article 50 of the Constitution,” the magistrate said.
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.
“I refuse adjournments as I don’t want Kenyans to say I m lazy. Don’t put me in a situation where I am not able to explain my case. The case must proceed” she said.
The court was also told that in case the parties want to settle out of court, the case will be taken for mediation.
The hearing will proceed on October 2.
