As the public digests the implications of the June 2025 notice declaring Africa Spirits Limited (ASL) insolvent, one truth is finally emerging from the shadows, one that contradicts a widely held belief and a persistent media narrative.
Contrary to years of repeated claims in the press, billionaire businessman Humphrey Kariuki is not the owner of ASL, nor has he ever exercised executive control over the embattled liquor company.
For over a decade, Kariuki’s name has been synonymous with Africa Spirits Limited. News articles, television features, and online commentary have routinely cited him as the man behind the company’s operations. These assertions painted a picture of a tycoon running one of Kenya’s most prominent alcoholic beverage manufacturers. But recent revelations backed by verifiable documents show that this long-standing assumption is not only misleading—it is demonstrably false.
Official documentation from Kenya’s eCitizen platform, including the company’s CR12 form, lists nine directors of Africa Spirits Limited. Humphrey Kariuki’s name is not among the shareholders. He does not appear on the board, does not participate in management decisions, and has never held an executive position at ASL.
Court documents further reinforce this fact. During legal proceedings related to the company’s tax matters and administration issues, Kariuki’s lack of involvement in day-to-day operations or strategic oversight has been consistently affirmed.
While Kariuki is connected to a company that holds a minority stake in ASL, this is one of the least significant among the nine ownership structures listed in the CR12. His interest is non-controlling and largely symbolic, offering no authority or leverage in business operations.
Despite this documented reality, major news outlets have continued to link ASL’s identity and fortunes to Kariuki. Even after ASL’s factory in Thika was shut down by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) in 2019 over allegations of tax evasion, headlines persisted in centering Kariuki as the face of the company.
This persistent misrepresentation has had consequences, not only for Kariuki’s public image, but also for the public’s understanding of corporate governance, media accountability, and due process. For years, false equivalence between Kariuki and ASL has framed legal narratives, skewed public opinion, and potentially shaped policy reactions.
In June 2025, ASL was officially placed under administration, with creditors being asked to submit claims before July 18. While the insolvency notice has reignited media interest in the company, this moment has also provided a rare opportunity to correct the record.
Business reporting must go beyond familiar names and deep-seated assumptions. Facts, not fame, should dictate coverage. In this case, the facts are clear: Humphrey Kariuki is not the owner of Africa Spirits Limited and has never had operational control over it.
As the company undergoes restructuring, it is crucial that reporting on ASL’s future is grounded in truth, not the legacy of lazy journalism that has, for years, obscured the actual governance of one of Kenya’s most discussed beverage companies.
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