This archive report was first published on 21 August 2019.
On August 19, 2019, businessman Humphrey Kariuki was re-arrested after posting cash bail of Sh11 million and securing his release.
According to a statement sent to newsrooms, Mr Kariuki denied 21 counts, including tax evasion and possession of excisable goods affixed with counterfeit stamps.
He claimed that unnamed persons are out to ruin his business by tarnishing his name.
Mr Kariuki said he spends less than 130 days a year in the country and the rest of the year abroad, committed to his international ventures.
"This is in line with the national values relating to the respect of law, integrity, accountability and transparency," he said.
He added that he has financed many ventures, which collectively pay substantial taxes, and that employment created has a positive impact on many Kenyan families and businesses.
"I am a patriotic and law-abiding citizen, who has never been involved in any criminal activity. As an entrepreneur, I invest in businesses across the world and in all those countries I have never been accused of any wrongdoing, although I am not directly involved in the management of these businesses," he said.
The court heard that the accused persons were found in possession of reels of counterfeit excise stamps and thousands of assorted bottles of spirits affixed with counterfeit stamps.
It is also alleged that they failed to pay taxes amounting to Sh17.7 billion between February 1, 2016 and December 31, 2018.
The pre-trail will be held on September 2.
