This archive report was first published on 27 September 2019.
On September 27, 2019, a Nairobi court ordered the Director of Criminal Investigations and the Kenya Revenue Authority to allow billionaire Humphrey Kariuki to visit his Thika-based alcohol factory, Africa Spirits, to collect old KSh 1,000 notes for exchange ahead of the September 30 deadline.
The court's decision came after Kariuki's firm, Africa Spirits, was closed down over tax evasion claims worth KSh 41 billion.
However, the billionaire was previously denied access to his passport, which he needed to travel abroad to attend to his business interests.
Magistrate Kennedy Cheruiyot ruled that Kariuki should make the application for release of his travel document in Case 1333 of 2019, which is before a different court.
At the same time, Africa Spirits Limited asked the court to order the re-opening of the factory, citing the fate of over 500 employees who hang in the balance following its closure.
The company's lawyer, Cecil Miller, argued that it was ironical for the government to demand KSh 150 million in taxes on a monthly basis while at the same time close it down as the legal battles continue.
