Perminus Karanja Kibicho (pictured), the bespectacled former don now powerful state officer has taken the alcohol industry by storm. He is the proprietor of Kisaju Enterprises Ltd and Alette Holdings Ltd the biggest importers, distributors and wholesalers of alcoholic products in the central Kenya region.
Apart from Diageo owned EABL and its subsidiaries, it has been difficult for the alcohol industry in Kenya. It began with the fight against counterfeit/substandard alcohol and is currently being fought in the halls of the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). Several players including the Humprey Kariuki owned African Spirits and WOW beverages and the Karanja owned Keroche breweries amongst others have been affected.
According to the Ministry for Interior website, the departments in the ministry include the Provincial Administration, National Police Service, NACADA, and Government Chemist amongst others. Kibicho has been able to bring the alcohol industry to its knees through systemic abuse of government functions under his direct control to stifle competition and ensure his companies trade without any hindrance.
ALETTE HOLDINGS LTD – PVT-DLULM28
Alette Liqueur Store owned by Alette Holdings Ltd specializes in the import and wholesale/retail of premium wines and spirits in the central region. The flagship store is located along Kagio-Baricho Road in the family owned Abai Fine Stalls next to Riziki Hotel.
Beneficial Owners
Perminus Karanja Kibicho- Shareholder/Director – 500 shares
Lynette Muthoni Karanja – Shareholder/Director – 500 Shares
KISAJU ENTERPRISES LTD – CPR/2010/21880
As per the EABL website, Kisaju Investments Ltd is the authorized distributor for all EABL products in Kagio, Karatina, Kerugoya and Mukurweini. Its shiny new trucks have been seen distributing KBL & UDV products in the greater central region. It is co-owned by the current vice chair of NACADA Peterson Munene Mwai.
Beneficial Owners
Abai Agencies Ltd – Shareholder- 450 Shares
Patano Investments Ltd – Shareholder – 450 Shares
Abai Agencies Ltd – CPR/2012/88914
Perminus Kibicho Karanja – Director/Shareholder – 510 shares
Lilian Wangari Karanja -Director/Shareholder – 190 shares
Kibicho Karanja Kibicho – Director/Shareholder – 100 shares
Nyawira Karanja Kibicho – Director/Shareholder – 100 shares
Patano Investments Ltd- CPR/2013/127411
Peterson Munene Mwai – – Director/Shareholder – 500 shares
Lydiah Wambui Munene -– Director/Shareholder – 400 shares
Law in Kenya
In Article 75 of the Constitution of Kenya, a state officer shall behave, whether in public and official life, in private life, or in association with other persons, in a manner that avoids any conflict between personal interests and public or official duties; compromising any public or official interest in favour of a personal interest.
Section 11 of the Public Officer Ethics Act states that a public officer shall not use his office to improperly enrich himself or others; and shall not hold shares or have any other interest in a corporation, partnership of other body, directly or through another person, if holding those shares or having that interest would result in the public officer’s personal interests conflicting with his official duties.
