Over the past week, I have come across articles published on both mainstream and social media platforms containing false, misleading and defamatory statements about me. The recent reporting is factually inaccurate and conveys a grossly inaccurate image of my business affairs.
In an example of irresponsible journalism, no member of the media has reached out to me for verification prior to publication. The stories represent sensationalist reporting aimed at driving readership rather than serving the public interest.
I urge readers and the public at large not to be misled by the false narratives circulating online about me and the businesses I have built over the past four decades. I also urge journalists to reach out to me prior to publishing defamatory reporting which could easily be corrected without the need for such an escalation.
I ask that any publication which has published or republished these false statements concerning my financial standing or alleged ownership of ASL immediately retract such publications.
I have also reached out to my legal advisors to consider my options should they fail to comply.
For the record, I wish to state as follows:
1. Ownership of Africa Spirits Limited (ASL)
I do not own Africa Spirits Limited (ASL).
I am an investor, and I have never held any directorial, executive, managerial, or operational role in the company.
The official ownership and directorship of ASL can be independently verified through the Government of Kenya’s eCitizen platform, which makes corporate records publicly available.
2. ASL Plant Handover
The return of the ASL plant to its operators did not result from political pressure or my appointment to the National Investment Council, as some reports have wrongly suggested over the years.
The handover was executed following a court order issued on 23 November 2020—not executive orders in December 2022 as has been inaccurately reported.
Misrepresenting it as a political agenda distorts the facts and undermines the judiciary’s vital role in upholding justice.
3. The KES 41 billion Tax Case
In vindication of my position regarding the often-cited KES 41 billion tax-related criminal proceedings against me and my businesses, these charges were found to be unlawful and were fully quashed by the courts with no adverse findings against me.
I maintain that they were baseless and unwarranted.
Continuing to reference this case without disclosing the court’s judgement distorts the truth, misleads the public and is a serious violation of my right to a fair and factual public record.
4. Financial Standing and Business Operations
Assertions that I am insolvent or that my businesses have collapsed are entirely false and defamatory. I remain financially solvent and an active investor and entrepreneur.
I am the Founder of Janus Continental Group (JCG), an operational pan-African conglomerate with a successful portfolio of companies whose long-term vision I continue to guide.
The businesses in JCG’s portfolio continue to grow and thrive under their leadership teams, are active, compliant, and operating within the laws of their respective jurisdictions.
Sincerely,
Humphrey Kariuki
