This archive report was first published on 18 July 2019.
On July 2, 2017, Joe Kariuki, founder and CEO of Kenyan music label Candy and Candy Records, was arrested in Tanzania and charged with defrauding a local businessman of Sh13.3 million.
After a year and a half, Kariuki was sentenced to seven years in prison, but he appealed the decision and was released on [published_at].
During his time in prison, Kariuki fell critically ill and underwent four surgeries, but he was eventually transferred to Karanga Prison in Moshi to receive medical attention.
Speaking to Nyakundi Report, Kariuki alleged that the case was a result of a business dispute with his former partner, who teamed up with other Tanzanian associates to bring him down.
“While in prison, I didn’t see any of my Kenyan friends coming to visit me. I was sentenced to serve a seven-year jail term for obtaining wealth in false pretense. The person who accused me is not even Tanzanian but a business partner whom we differed and later teamed with other Tanzanian associates to frustrate me with this case,” Kariuki said.
After his release, Kariuki announced that he would not be returning to the music industry, citing his struggles to make a mark in the Kenya and regional entertainment industry.
