By Dorothy Musyoka
Joseph Kairu Wambui, also known as Khalif Kairo, a motor vehicle dealer, faced serious charges at the Milimani Law Courts on January 13th, 2025.
He was charged with two counts of cheating, contrary to Section 315 of the Penal Code.
According to the Office of the Directorate of Public Prosecution (ODPP), various dates between July 10th, 2024, and July 29th, 2024, in the Westlands suburb of Nairobi County, Kairo reportedly deceived Jeff Kyule Munane into paying Ksh. 2,145,150 to Kai & Karo Limited.
This amount was intended for the importation of a Honda Vezel Hybrid from Japan, which was never delivered.
“The court heard that between 29th July 2024 and 16th November, 2024 at an unknown location within the Republic of Kenya, Khalif Kairo, a motor vehicle dealer, induced Dona Ayolo Okoth to transfer a sum of Ksh. 2,984,998 into Kai & Karo Limited’s KCB account while falsely pretending he will purchase a motor vehicle, make Subaru Outback, a fact he knew to be false,” explained the ODPP.
“The accused also faced an additional charge whose particulars indicate on diverse dates between 10th July 2024 and 29th July 2024 at Westlands suburb within Nairobi County, by means of fraudulent tricks, he induced Jeff Kyule Munane to pay through his company, Kai & Karo Limited, Ksh. 2,145,150 towards importation of a motor vehicle make Honda Vezel Hybrid from Japan, which he never delivered,”added the ODPP.
Khalif Kairo appeared before Chief Magistrate Hon. Lucas Onyina and pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The prosecution, represented by Joyce Olajo, opposed Kairo’s release on bail, arguing that he posed a flight risk.
The prosecution presented evidence that Kairo had procured an air ticket on January 10th, 2025, planning to travel to New York, USA, on January 12th, 2025, a day before his arrest. This indicated a potential intent to abscond court proceedings.
“The court heard that the accused had procured an air ticket on 10th January 2025, a day before his arrest and was meant to fly to New York, USA on 12th January 2025,” noted the ODPP.
However, the court will deliberate on the bail application and continue with the trial proceedings in due course.