“Africa Spirits Limited” (ASL)
If you would like to know more about “Africa Spirits”, click here.
To give you a quick summary of what is going on with it though….
Table of Contents
Company Origins & Reputation
Africa Spirits Limited was established around 2002–2004 and operates a distillery in Thika, Kiambu County. The firm once produced popular Kenyan liquor brands like Bluemoon Vodka (with fruit-flavored variants), Legend Brandy, Legend Black, Furaha Vodka, Furaha Gin, and Gypsy King Gin. It was widely linked in media to businessman Humphrey Kariuki, though recent investigations challenge the extent of his involvement.
Legal & Financial Crisis Timeline
2019: KRA Raid & Alleged Tax Evasion
In January 2019, authorities from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and Criminal Investigations Directorate (DCI) raided ASL’s factory, seizing around 21 million counterfeit excise stamps and 312,000 liters of illicit alcohol, alleging KSh 41 billion in unpaid tax, with estimated monthly losses up to KSh 3 billion.
The facility was shut down and assets seized.
December 2022: Factory Handed Back
After years of court action, the High Court ordered the return of ASL’s premises to its owners in December 2022. However, the plant remained non‑operational due to damage, theft, vandalism, and missing equipment.
June 2025: Placed Under Administration
On June 17, 2025, the company was formally placed under administration under Kenya’s Insolvency Act 2015. Peter Kahi of PKF Consulting (K) Ltd was appointed administrator, gaining full control over ASL’s assets, operations, and future decision-making.
Creditor powers:
- All power previously held by directors, shareholders, and employees was revoked; no transactions can be made without Kahi’s written consent.
- Creditors were given a deadline of July 18, 2025 to submit claims, after which Kahi will assess restructuring or asset sale options to satisfy creditor debts.
Humphrey Kariuki Ownership Clarifications
Contrary to repeated media portrayal, investigations by sources like Soko Directory and Business Watch confirm that Humphrey Kariuki is not the owner or executive controller of ASL. His name does not appear in CR12 corporate filings as a shareholder, director, or executive. While he may be associated with other businesses, he has no formal authority over ASL.
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Parting Thoughts
Allow me to end this post with two statements.
1. I am extremely happy to be one of the more than 9.2 million customers that make Equity Bank the largest commercial bank on the African continent (by customer numbers); and
2. It’s no wonder to me that Equity Bank won the “Africa’s Best Bank Award” during the 2016 Euromoney Awards for Excellence.
But yeah, I said I would stop gushing.
Until the next time,
Biche
P.S. This post was NOT sponsored by Equity Bank (but…you can go here to know how you can sponsor a post on this blog to publicize your product, service, establishment, or event).
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