This archive report was first published on 21 August 2019.
On August 20, 2019, businessman Humphrey Kariuki faced Sh41 billion tax evasion charges in court. The charges have sparked intense scrutiny of Kariuki's business dealings.
According to a statement released by Kariuki, he is a law-abiding citizen who has not been involved in any criminal activity. He stated, “I am a patriotic and law-abiding citizen… The truth, law, and evidence are wholly behind me. I shall defend myself adequately and openly for the general public to know the truth,” Kariuki said.
Kariuki has denied any involvement in the management and day-to-day running of African Spirits, a company at the center of tax evasion claims. He also denied allegations of possession of uncustomed ethanol and counterfeit stamps.
Instead, Kariuki has suggested that dark forces are behind his arrest, stating that he complied with DCI George Kinoti's orders in February to appear at the headquarters for questioning over tax evasion and forgery.
