Court hands back Kariuki travel passes

Businessman Humphrey Kariuki. [File, Standard]

A court has handed back businessman Humphrey Kariuki’s passports to allow him travel to the US.

Yesterday, Senior Principal Magistrate Kennedy Cheruiyot ruled that Mr Kariuki has a right to freedom of movement, and since he has demonstrated willingness to cooperate with the court, their was no reason to restrict his movement.

“He is allowed to travel to the US, Gabon and Switzerland to attend to his businesses,” Mr Cheruiyot said.

“I order that his Kenyan and Cypriot passports be released to him to facilitate his travel abroad as may be necessary.”

Tax evasion

Kariuki was charged last month with evading taxes amounting to Sh41 billion. The courts had ordered that he deposits his Kenyan and Cypriot passport as a condition for his release on bail.

He filed the application for release of his passports arguing that he had urgent business engagements in the US, Gabon and Switzerland between September 23 and December 6.

His lawyer Dennis Mare, submitted that the business tycoon has demonstrated willingness to cooperate and attend all court session, which proved he has no intention of fleeing the country.

Mr Cheruiyot agreed with the submissions, but directed Kariuki to provide a surety that will guarantee his return to court.

Kariuki is the owner of the liqour company, Africa Spirits Limited.