This archive report was first published on 19 September 2019.
On September 19, 2019, a Nairobi court made a significant ruling in the case of Humphrey Kariuki, a prominent businessman.
Magistrate Kennedy Cheruiyot directed the release of Kariuki's two passports, allowing him to travel abroad to attend to his business interests.
The court's decision was based on Kariuki's voluntary presentation to investigators when he learned he was being sought for questioning.
According to the magistrate, Kariuki's actions demonstrated good conduct, as he surrendered himself to the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) when required to do so.
His lawyer, Cecil Miller, assured the court that Kariuki would continue to present himself during the trial of the three cases filed against him by the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The prosecution did not oppose the release of the travel documents, and the court ruled that Kariuki's passports be returned to him, allowing him to travel abroad as necessary.
However, the court required Kariuki to provide a surety to stand bail and undertake to attend court when required.
The case will be mentioned on September 26, 2019.
Kariuki has denied charges of failing to pay Sh41 billion in tax, being in possession of 80 drums of ethanol worth Sh7,402,985, and being in possession of counterfeit excise duty stamps in Thika.
