Nyeri, Kenya — Prominent Nairobi car dealer Joseph Kairo Wambui, known as Khalif Kairo, appeared in court on Monday, facing charges of tax fraud amounting to KSh1.28 million.
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) alleges that Mr. Kairo, director of Kai & Karo Limited, deliberately misdeclared a Land Rover Range Rover Vogue as a used Range Rover Sport on January 10, 2024, to reduce the payable customs duty.
“KRA investigations established that Kairo, being the director of Kai & Karo Limited, knowingly misdeclared a Land Rover Range Rover Vogue as a used Range Rover Sport to evade payment of customs duty of KSh1,283,830,” stated Levi Mukhweso, KRA’s Acting Commissioner for Investigations and Enforcement.
Mr. Kairo pleaded not guilty at the Nyeri Law Court and was released on a bond of KSh500,000. The case is scheduled for mention on June 4, 2025.
If convicted, he could face a jail term of up to three years or a fine not exceeding KSh1 million.
This is not Mr. Kairo’s first encounter with legal issues. Earlier this year, he was charged at the Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi with defrauding clients in separate incidents involving over KSh5 million.
In one case, he allegedly obtained KSh2.98 million from a client under the pretense of importing a Subaru Outback, which was never delivered. In another instance, he is accused of receiving KSh2.14 million for the importation of a Honda Vezel Hybrid, which also was not delivered.
Mr. Kairo denied all charges and was released on bail.
The KRA has intensified its crackdown on tax evasion, with several individuals and companies recently charged with similar offenses. “These cases underscore our commitment to enforcing compliance and ensuring all taxpayers meet their obligations,” the authority noted.
Mr. Kairo has previously claimed that his legal troubles are the result of a vendetta by a former business associate. In a social media post, he alleged that this individual conspired with KRA officials to target his business.
As the legal proceedings continue, the business community and the public await further developments in this high-profile case.
