Billionaire Humphrey Kariuki has filed legal challenges against the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) over allegations of tax evasion involving Sh3 billion, accusing the agency of orchestrating a campaign to harm his business reputation and operations.
The dispute stems from January 2019 raids on Kariuki’s Africa Spirits Ltd and WOW Beverages Ltd in Thika, where KRA seized assets and shut down operations, citing tax evasion through counterfeit excise stamps. The agency obtained court orders in February 2019 to freeze the companies’ accounts, claiming Sh3 billion in lost revenue. Kariuki denies the allegations, stating his firms act as importers of taxed liquor rather than manufacturers.
In court filings, Kariuki alleged KRA deliberately omitted his role as a company director to mislead judicial proceedings. He also accused business rivals of exploiting state agencies to undermine his ventures, claiming, "There is a premeditated scheme to damage my reputation and disrupt operations." KRA had previously directed immigration authorities to block Kariuki and his directors from leaving the country over Sh1.2 billion in alleged tax liabilities.
Kariuki seeks court orders to reopen his factories, lift account freezes, and halt further tax recovery actions. A hearing is scheduled for Friday.
