Prominent Nairobi car dealer Joseph Kairo, widely known as Khalif Kairo, has been released on a cumulative cash bail of Ksh 2 million after pleading not guilty to charges of failing to honor car sale agreements.
Milimani Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina ruled that Kairo did not pose a flight risk, granting him cash bail of Ksh 1 million for each of the two charges or an alternative bond option.
The Allegations
Kairo faces accusations of fraud under Section 315 of the Penal Code, involving two separate incidents:
- 1. Honda Vezel Case
Between July 10 and July 25, 2024, Kairo allegedly tricked Jeff Munane into paying Ksh 2.1 million through his company, Kai & Kairo Limited. The payment was meant for the importation of a Honda Vezel Hybrid from Japan, which was never delivered, according to the charge sheet. - 2. Subaru Outback Case
In another incident between July 29 and November 16, 2024, Kairo reportedly convinced Dona Okoth to transfer Ksh 2.98 million to the company’s KCB bank account. The funds were intended for purchasing a Subaru Outback, a promise the prosecution alleges was false.

Bail Ruling
The prosecution argued against granting bail, claiming Kairo was a flight risk. However, Magistrate Onyina disagreed, noting that the charges are classified as misdemeanors.
For the Ksh 2.9 million charge, Kairo was granted a cash bail of Ksh 1 million and required to provide a contact person. His passport must be surrendered to the senior court administrator, and the court promised to fast-track the trial.
For the Ksh 2.1 million charge, a separate cash bail of Ksh 1 million or an alternative bond of the same amount was set.
The court scheduled the pre-trial hearing for January 28, signaling the beginning of Kairo’s legal battle to clear his name.