Joseph Kairo Wambui, a well-known city car dealer, was arraigned in court on Monday, facing serious fraud charges related to the non-delivery of vehicles for which clients had paid. Kairo, who operates under the company name Kai&Kairo Limited, was accused of using fraudulent means to convince clients to send substantial amounts of money for car imports that were never delivered.
Kairo appeared before Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina and denied the charges, which involve two clients Jeff Munane and Dona Okoth. The charge sheet alleges that between July 10, 2024, and July 25, 2024, Kairo induced Munane to transfer Sh2.1 million for the importation of a Honda Vezel hybrid from Japan. However, Munane claims that the vehicle was never delivered, despite having made the full payment.
The charge sheet further alleges that Kairo committed the same offense against Dona Okoth, who transferred Sh2.98 million into the KCB bank account of Kai&Kairo Limited for the purported importation of a Subaru Outback. However, Okoth has alleged that Kairo never fulfilled the deal, leaving her with no vehicle and no refund.
Kairo’s defense team, led by prominent lawyer Danstan Omari, pleaded with the court for lenient bond terms, arguing that the accused posed no flight risk and should be granted bail while awaiting trial. Kairo’s legal team contends that the charges against him are without merit and that he had no intention of defrauding his clients.
The court, after hearing the arguments, reserved its ruling on bail, with Chief Magistrate Onyina set to deliver the decision at 2 p.m. Kairo’s case has drawn attention to issues of fraud in the local car importation sector, where customers are often left vulnerable to unscrupulous dealers.
The outcome of the case will likely have implications not only for Kairo’s business operations but also for the broader industry, which continues to face challenges related to fraud and consumer protection.
