Nakuru Senator Tabitha Karanja has surprised many Kenyans and the business community with her decision to step down as CEO of Keroche Breweries and appoint a new leader.

In a surprising turn of events during Keroche Breweries’ 25th-anniversary celebration, Tabitha unveiled Potas Anaya, the former Chief Financial Officer (CFO), as her deserving successor.

Tabitha has been at the helm of the company since its establishment in 1997, when she and her husband Joseph Karanja founded it as a fortified wines manufacturer on their family farm.

“After leading the way for 25 years, the time has come for me, Tabitha Karanja, to pass the baton to a new generation of business leaders,” announced Tabitha, dropping the bombshell.

“With great pride, I hereby announce my decision to step down as the CEO of Keroche Breweries and entrust the leadership to a deserving successor.”

Tabitha highlighted her journey in steering the Naivasha-based brewer from its humble beginnings to becoming Kenya’s second-largest brewery and the largest one owned by a native.

Despite facing various challenges during her tenure as Keroche CEO, including layoffs caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and a tax dispute with the Kenya Revenue Authority, the company has remained resilient.

Tabitha expressed gratitude to her family, friends, and customers for their unwavering support over her 25-year tenure and shared her excitement about serving as Nakuru Senator and Deputy Majority Leader.

“I am now fully dedicated to the honor of representing our remarkable nation as the Senator of Nakuru County and as the Deputy Leader of the Majority in the Senate,” she stated.

“I am deeply humbled by the trust bestowed upon me by His Excellency, President Dr. William Ruto, and the esteemed Leadership of the Kenya Kwanza Coalition.”

Despite the ongoing dispute with the Kenya Revenue Authority, which claimed Keroche owed Sh22.79 billion in unpaid taxes dating back to 2008, Tabitha was elected Nakuru Senator in the August 9, 2022 election.