Tycoon Kariuki, daughter grilled by DCI over forgery, tax evasion

Tycoon Humphrey Kariuki and his daughter were among several people questioned yesterday in connection with claims of tax evasion and forgery.

Mr Kariuki and his daughter, Nyawira Wangari Kariuki, had been summoned by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations. They appeared yesterday accompanied by their lawyer, Cecil Miller.

Also questioned were directors of some of Kariuki's companies, including Mary Wambui Njihia and Peter Njenga Kariuki.

DCI boss George Kinoti said they had been summoned because they were believed to have information that could assist in investigations.

He added that some of the wanted persons had sent lawyers to represent them because they were either away or committed elsewhere.

“Investigations are progressing well and we will know the way forward soon,” he said.

Mr Kinoti said the directors were required to appear before the investigating officers at DCI headquarters along Kiambu Road without fail.

"It is an offence, under Section 52 (2) of the National Police Service Act 2011, to fail to comply with the summons."

Kariuki has business interests in East and Central Africa.

His Thika-based Africa Spirits Ltd plant was raided by police last week during which the officers seized smuggled ethanol, 312,000 litres of illicit liquor and 21 million fake Kenya Revenue Authority stamps. Some of the brands produced by the plant include Bluemoon Vodka, Legend Brandy and Glen Rock Whisky.

The Government gets about Sh200, in tax, from a litre of ethanol, the main ingredient of alcoholic beverages.