By Our Reporter
Nairobi business mogul Mukhtar Rehemtulla Omar, popularly known as Roy, has spoken out for the first time since his acquittal in a high-profile case that once made national headlines.
The retired police officer turned businessman, who now serves as Chief Executive Officer of the ROY Group of Companies, says the allegations that he illegally repackaged baby diapers in 2018 were part of a malicious scheme by business rivals determined to bring him down.
“I have learned from my vast experience that business, just like politics, is a dirty game. Rivals can go to great lengths to tarnish your name, backstab you, and do anything to kick you out of business,” Omar told journalists.
In 2018, Omar’s company imported more than 5,000 bales of Easy Diapers for sale in Kenya after what he described as a “careful market study.” He said the products were stored in warehouses as the firm secured approvals and certifications from relevant agencies, including the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).
But before the products could reach the market, Omar and an associate were arrested and charged with allegedly affixing import standardization marks without a valid permit.
“We denied all the charges and presented ourselves for hearing, confident that we would prove our innocence,” he said. “After reviewing the evidence, the court found the prosecution had failed to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt, and we were acquitted under Section 210 of the Criminal Procedure Code.”
The businessman maintains that the accusations were a deliberate attempt to mislead consumers and discredit him. He further claims that rival interests sponsored negative articles in both print and digital media during the trial, causing significant damage to his reputation.
“My name was dragged through the mud over things I could never do in good conscience. The sensational reporting left a dent that persists to this day. We suffered revenue decline and loss of business partnerships as stakeholders distanced themselves,” he lamented.
Omar, who has represented Kenya as an ambassador in the United Nations World Peace Association (UNWPA) and served in the International Police Association, said his acquittal highlights the need for balance between consumer protection and fair business practices.
“Regulators must protect the public from substandard goods, but enforcement should be based on clear evidence, not assumptions,” he said. “I also urge the media to embrace responsible journalism and avoid prematurely condemning individuals.”
The ROY Group of Companies operates across logistics, real estate, and property management sectors, with specialization in the transportation of bulk products, containerized cargo, perishable goods, abnormal loads, refrigerated items, and hazardous materials.
