Billionaire Humphrey Kariuki has spoken out over allegations that his companies evaded Ksh41 billion.
In a statement sent to newsrooms on Tuesday, Kariuki stated that the charges levelled against him were meant to taint his image.
“I am a patriotic and law-abiding citizen who believes in the rule of law. The allegations levelled against me are untrue, without merit, fabricated and intended to use the judicial process to tarnish my name,” he wrote.
He added that he complied with DCI boss George Kinoti in February when he appeared at the headquarters for questioning.
“I affirm that I have no outstanding tax dispute with the Kenya Revenue Authority, and that I do not manage any company that has a tax dispute with the KRA. Therefore any allegation linking me to tax evasion is false and is made in bad faith,” he stated.
Kariuki added that he has huge business interests out of the country, noting that he spends less than 130 days annually in Kenya.
“Due to my business interests outside the country, I am in Kenya for less than 130 days a year. Most of my time is committed to my international ventures, which appear to have attracted jealousy from certain quarters, who are hell-bent on ensuring that they ruin my business by tarnishing my character and reputation through adverse and orchestrated media publicity and implication with offences that I am a stranger to,” he added.
The billionaire divulged that he was not involved in Africa Spirits Limited, a manufacturing firm that deals with alcoholic drinks.
“I have confirmed both to the DPP and DCI the indisputable fact that I am not involved in the management of the said Africa Spirits Limited, and play no role in its executive management, and day-to-day operations, whatsoever,” he stated.
