From the shadows to the soil: Joe Kariuki’s path from scandal to redemption

Two years ago, Kariuki was a man under siege, his name synonymous with a high-profile fake fertilizer scandal that threatened to dismantle his empire and land him behind bars.

Today, he has emerged from his self-imposed exile, not with a legal defense, but with a mission to Feed the nation and a cautionary tale about the fickleness of power.

After a grueling legal battle, Kariuki managed to manouvre the charges related to the fertilizer scandal and despite the fact that the matter is yet to be formally adjudicated, the court of public opinion was less forgiving. Choosing to retreat rather than fight a PR war, Kariuki went "underground" for twenty-four months—a period he describes as a necessary "recalibration."

"When the storm hits, you find out who is actually anchored to you and who was just enjoying the fair weather," Kariuki told reporters in his first major address since his return.

He didn't mince words about the betrayal he felt. He described a "mass exodus" of associates and friends who vanished the moment the summons were issued. "The silence from people I had built with was louder than the accusations themselves," he remarked.

He added: "When the cameras are on you and the charges are read, your phone stops ringing," Kariuki shared. "People I called brothers, business partners I built from the ground up—they didn’t just distance themselves; they vanished. It’s a lonely place when the world decides you are a villain before the court does."

Kariuki’s story of survival is, by his own admission, a testament to the women in his life. While the business world turned its back, his home remained a fortress. 

He credited his wife and mother-in-law as the primary reasons he was able to maintain his mental fortitude during the two-year hiatus.

"We talk about 'family values' as a buzzword, but I lived it," Kariuki said. "My wife held our world together when it felt like it was crumbling. My mother-in-law didn't judge; she prayed and she pushed me to restrategize. Without a strong family foundation, no man can survive the weight of the Kenyan state or the weight of public shame."

Speaking of his wife, the controversial businessman spoke highly of his spouse, heaping praises on her and expressing his gratitude to her for her enduring support and unwavering loyalty.

"I cannot state enough just how important she is to me. She's my rock, my biggest supporter and my refuge. Through it all, she helped me overcome my mental demons and charge through the darkest trenches of my life," Joe remarks.

He also addressed rumors that his wife was pregnant, laughing the internet rumor off and adding that she was in a happy place. "She's happy. She's comfortable and she's contented with her life. When a woman is happy, she may add a little weight," he laughs. 

Kariuki isn't just back in the public eye; he is back in the dirt - literally. His new initiative, a massive farm product distribution program, aims to reach millions of Kenyans.

Already, the program, dubbed Vibo Eats, is gaining significant traction, with thousands of Kenyan households already receiving varied farm products that include potatoes, onions, tomatoes, green peas, managu, capsicum, maize, carrots and more. 

Over the last three weeks, the Vibo Eats initiative has covered massive parts of the country, with Kariuki's products, harvested from his Rumuruti farm, benefiting millions of households in a well-choreographed network that involves not just his team but also volunteers, Community Based Organizations (CBOs) and other stakeholders. 

Triza Anthony Omolo, founder of the Good Mothers CBO, spoke highly of the Vibo Eats initiative, crediting Kariuki with the transformation of societies and for helping low-level families have access to food. 

"This is something we could only dream of. To see this sort of initiative, that seeks to uplift families, feed children, alleviate the burden of provision from poor mothers, is something we are truly appreciative of," she said. 

For Kariuki, it is more than a business; it is a strategic comeback aimed at restoring his legacy through tangible impact.

"I have always been focused on direct impact on societies. For me, it's more than just a me thing - this is something that is built to support families and leave a lasting impact. I am happy that it is being received so overwhelmingly," Kariuki stated.

Kariuki also revealed that he was intentional about helping the society - but also, boosting businesses so that women can also be able to support themselves, even in the absence of Vibo Eats.

"The Bible reminds us to teach a man to fish, not just to offer him fish. And that's what exactly Vibo Eats is doing next. We are recruiting over 300,000 women into the program, where they will receive free farm produce, go sell it at their markets, and submit 30% of the profits to us. It teaches them sustenance and responsibility," he said.

The Vibo Eats initiative has, however, led people to think that the business magnate is eyeing a political seat.

"I've been asked that question alot," Joe laughs. "But at this time, I'm not ready to comment on that. I have an objective first - to feed the nation. When the time comes to talk politics, we shall talk politics."

While critics remain skeptical of his rapid comeback, the momentum of his new venture is undeniable. Kariuki appears less concerned with his detractors and more focused on the scale of his new operations. For now, the man who was once the face of a scandal is working hard to become the face of a national harvest.