City car dealer Joseph Kairo Wambui aka Khalif Kairo, who was charged with obtaining money fraudulently for the importation of high-end vehicles, will know his fate today (January 14, 2025).
Chief magistrate Lucas Onyina will rule on whether to release him on bond or not. Defence lawyers Cliff Ombeta, Danstan Omari and Martina Swiga had urged the court to free him on bond on grounds that he is not a flight risk. They also argued that the case stems from business rivalry.
However, the prosecution in its charge sheet stated that by means of fraudulent tricks, he induced Jeff Kyule Munane to pay him Sh2.1 million for the purchase of a motor vehicle which he never delivered. It is alleged that he committed the offence on diverse dates between July 10 and July 25, 2024, in Westlands, Nairobi.
On the second count, it is alleged that he obtained Sh2.98 million from Dora Okoth towards the purchase of a Subaru Outback, but he never delivered the motor vehicle.
However, defence lawyer Omari argued that Kairo was the victim of foul play from rivals.
“This case is being sponsored by business rivals who feel they have been pushed out of business,” Omari said, claiming that Kairo sold over 300 vehicles valued over Sh1 billion last year.
Omari also said Kairo is an employer with a workforce of 25 people and should be allowed to continue to generate revenue.
"Police should not criminalise business transactions. I urge this court to free the accused to travel overseas to generate business which serves the people of this country."
On his part, defence lawyer Ombeta said Kairo had booked a return ticket to fly to New York to meet investors. The car dealer was to depart on January 13, 2025, but was arrested a day before he jetted out.
"He never kept his whereabouts a secret. When police called him, he informed them that he was at the bank and they went to pick him. Is this the person police claim to be a flight risk?" Ombeta asked.
However, the prosecution opposed his release on bond saying Kairo is a flight risk.
