Court Bars Kenyan Gov’t from Seizing Tycoon Humphrey Kariuki’s Assets

Wanted Kenyan billionaire businessman Humphrey Kariuki has obtained court orders barring the government from detaining all his movable assets over tax evasion allegations.

A Nairobi court issued the orders on Thursday after Kariuki, through his lawyer Benjamin Musyoki, filed an application seeking to stop government’s bid to repossess his assets.

In a ruling, Nairobi Chief Magistrate Caroline Nzibe also barred the State from taking over assets attached to Kariuki’s companies pending hearing and determination of the case.

On Wednesday, Kariuki stepped down as the chairman of his Janus Continental Group (JCG) over the Sh41 billion tax evasion case.

Kenyan prosecutors are seeking to obtain an international warrant of arrest for Kariuki whose whereabouts are still unknown although detectives said he was last seen in London, the United Kingdom last week after traveling from South Africa.

Authorities believe the tycoon was headed to Cyprus, a European island country in the Eastern Mediterranean, where he is a citizen.

The State was seeking to repossess Kariuki’s assets that include five-star Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club in Nanyuki, The Hub Karen Mall in Nairobi, several private planes and more than 80 high-end vehicles.

The tycoon is accused of evading taxes amounting to Sh41 billion through his companies Africa Spirits Limited and Wines of the World (WOW).