Nairobi, Kenya- Two fraud cases against Nairobi businessman Joseph Kairo Wambui—popularly known as Khalif Kairo—have been dropped after the complainants confirmed they had received full refunds.
The decision was made on Monday, offering temporary relief to the luxury car dealer whose dealings have drawn intense public scrutiny.
Court Allows Withdrawal After Refunds Issued
Appearing before Milimani Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina, Kairo’s defence team informed the court that their client had reimbursed the complainants through their lawyer, effectively bringing the disputes to an end.
Magistrate Onyina approved the withdrawals under Section 204 of the Penal Code, which allows criminal cases to be terminated once parties reach a mutual agreement.
In one of the matters, Kairo—through his company Kai & Karo Limited—had been accused of swindling Sh2.98 million from Dona Ayalo Okoth for the importation of a Subaru Outback. Despite payment being made to the firm’s KCB account, the vehicle was never delivered.
The second case involved Sh2.15 million, which Jeff Kyule Munane alleged he paid to secure a Honda Vezel Hybrid from Japan. Like the first complainant, Munane never received the car.
A Third Case Still in Play
While Monday’s court session marked the closure of two high-profile cases, Kairo’s legal troubles are not yet over.
The court was informed that a third fraud case remains active, though negotiations for an out-of-court resolution are underway. That matter is scheduled for mention in December 2025.
Kairo had previously pleaded not guilty to all charges when they were first filed. His recent decision to settle highlights a growing trend in Kenya’s legal system where alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, including financial reimbursement, are increasingly relied upon to ease case backlogs.
Kairo’s case has attracted attention not only because of his high profile but also due to the broader risks tied to Kenya’s vehicle import industry.
With demand for second-hand cars from Japan and Europe soaring, cases of fraud and misrepresentation remain common. Consumer watchdogs have repeatedly urged buyers to verify dealers’ credibility before making payments, especially for large imports.
For Kairo, the settlements provide temporary breathing space, but the pending case—and the spotlight it shines on the vehicle import business—means his reputation is still very much on the line.
