Second-hand car dealer Joseph Kairo Wambui, popularly known as Khalif Kairo, is facing fresh allegations of fraud after a client accused him of failing to deliver a 2017 BMW X1 despite receiving Ksh 2.2 million in payment.
The client, who claims to have transferred the full amount to Kairo’s KCB account as per a sales agreement, says the vehicle has been stranded in Mombasa for over a month due to unpaid supplier fees. According to the supplier, no payment has been made for the car, which now risks being auctioned.
A formal demand letter dated January 15, 2025, has been sent to Kairo, accusing him of breaching the sales agreement. The victim has called for a full refund, but Kairo has reportedly remained unresponsive.
Businessman Khalif Kairo during occupy parliament demos. Photo: The Star Source: Facebook
The incident has reignited concerns about Kairo’s business dealings, with customers accusing him of a pattern of dishonesty in the second-hand car market. This is not the first time Kairo has faced similar accusations. Earlier this month, he was arrested for allegedly defrauding another client of millions after failing to deliver a high-end vehicle.
According to the post by Blogger Cyprian Nyakundi on X, Kairo appeared in court on January 13 and was granted a Ksh 2 million cash bail the following day. Despite this, complaints against him continue to mount, painting a picture of systemic malpractice in his operations.
In a statement, the latest victim expressed frustration:
“I paid Khalif Kairo Ksh 2.2 million, and he has not delivered my car. The suppliers confirmed he hasn’t paid them, and now my car is being auctioned in Mombasa. His car yards are empty, and it seems he planned to escape with our money. This fraud must be exposed!”
Khalif Kairo with former governor francis Kimemia
Kairo’s first trial is scheduled for January 28, 2025, where his dealings will come under legal scrutiny. Meanwhile, industry stakeholders are calling for stricter regulations in the second-hand car market to protect customers from fraudulent dealers.
As the legal battle unfolds, Kairo’s reputation hangs in the balance, with customers demanding justice and refunds for undelivered vehicles.
