Controversial Car Dealer Khalif Kairo Faces Fresh Legal Battle Over Ksh 2.2 Million Undelivered BMW

By Shadrack Nyakoe

Joseph Kairo Wambui, widely known as “Khalif Kairo,” a second-hand car dealer mired in controversy, is at the center of yet another legal dispute. This time, Kairo is accused of defrauding a client of Ksh 2,220,000 for a 2017 BMW X1 that was never delivered.

According to the victim, the payment was made directly to Kairo’s KCB account as stipulated in a sales agreement. However, it has been alleged that Kairo failed to pay the supplier, leaving the car stranded in Mombasa for over a month and now at risk of being auctioned. Despite repeated demands for a refund, Kairo has remained unresponsive.

The victim has taken legal action, issuing a demand letter on January 15, 2025, citing a breach of contract and non-delivery of the vehicle. The supplier reportedly confirmed that no payment was received on their end, further complicating the case.

This incident is just the latest in a series of allegations against Kairo, who has gained notoriety for fraudulent activities in the second-hand car market. Disgruntled customers have accused him of dishonest business practices, with some describing a pattern of accepting full payments for vehicles that are never delivered.

Earlier this month, Kairo was arrested by police over another case in which he allegedly defrauded a client of millions for a high-end vehicle. Following his arrest on January 11, 2025, and subsequent court appearance on January 13, he was released on a Ksh 2 million cash bail. However, the controversies surrounding his dealings continue to grow.

The mounting complaints against Kairo have prompted calls for tighter regulations in the second-hand car industry to protect consumers from fraudulent operators. “This is not just about one individual; it’s about an industry that needs better oversight to ensure integrity,” one affected client remarked.

Kairo’s first trial in connection with the earlier fraud allegations is scheduled for January 28, 2025. As legal proceedings unfold, his actions and the broader implications for consumer protection in the second-hand car market will come under intense scrutiny.