In the wake of Africa Spirits Limited’s (ASL) notice of insolvency issued in June 2025, a whirlwind of speculation has engulfed public discourse, fueled largely by years of misreporting and a cocktail of half-truths.
But new revelations now emerging paint a drastically different picture, especially about the man many have been quick to link with ASL’s troubles: billionaire businessman Humphrey Kariuki.
Despite being continuously cast as the owner and mastermind behind ASL, official documentation accessed from Kenya’s eCitizen platform provides compelling proof to the contrary.
A look at the company’s CR12 form reveals that ASL has nine listed directors. Humphrey Kariuki is not among them. He is not a shareholder, he does not sit on the board, and crucially, he has no operational role in the company’s affairs.
Yet, the media has long repeated the narrative that Kariuki “owns” ASL—a notion that has stubbornly clung to the public imagination. The company’s official structure is clear: Kariuki is not involved. The assertion that he “owns” or “runs” ASL is simply false.
What’s more revealing is that despite this clarification now being publicly accessible, some outlets continue to push a tired narrative. Worse still, some have tried to capitalize on ASL’s insolvency to claim that Kariuki himself is “broke.”
Humphrey Kariuki remains one of Kenya’s most private but influential billionaires. His investments span energy, hospitality, logistics, and conservation, sectors that are not only diverse but also resilient in the face of economic downturns.
Through ventures such as The Hub Karen, Dalbit Petroleum, Great Lakes Africa Energy, and the opulent Mt. Kenya Safari Club, Kariuki’s portfolio reflects an investor with long-term vision, robust financial planning, and solid capital buffers. He is not the type to tie his financial fate to one company; least of all one he does not even own.
The speed with which Kariuki’s name has been dragged through the mud points to a worrying trend in Kenya’s media and business environment: high-profile figures being tried in the court of public opinion without the benefit of facts.
There are legitimate questions to ask about ASL’s insolvency and the reasons behind it. But these questions should be directed at the individuals officially listed as directors and shareholders—not at a businessman who, on record, has nothing to do with the company’s current affairs.
The time has come to set the record straight. Misreporting is not just a nuisance; it’s a disservice to the public and a threat to business integrity. If the media—and indeed, the public—are to play a constructive role in holding institutions accountable, then narratives must be based on facts, not assumptions.
As for Humphrey Kariuki, the billionaire continues to chart his path, quietly but decisively. And no, he’s not broke. Not even close.
Related Content: Truth Uncovered: Humphrey Kariuki Is Not the Owner of Africa Spirits Limited
