The past few weeks have been a rollercoaster for flamboyant car dealer Khalif Kairo, also known as Joseph Kairo Wambui.
His car dealership, Kai and Karo Limited, has been at the center of financial controversy, client complaints, and legal troubles, leading to widespread discussions about his business practices and whether he had been arrested.
The Arrest had been rumoured for weeks
Kairo’s troubles escalated when Kasarani Sub-County Criminal Investigations Officer Justus Ombati confirmed his arrest.
Ombati revealed that additional complainants had come forward with similar accusations, further complicating the case.
Three employees of Kai and Karo Limited were also detained as part of the ongoing investigation.
The man has now decided to reveal all in a tell-all video he released on his social media.
Financial Woes
In a candid video statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), Kairo admitted to significant financial challenges at his dealership. He cited client defaults as the primary reason for the company’s liquidity crisis.
“We’ve been in scenarios where clients have defaulted on quite a number of cars. This has put immense pressure on our cash flow, as we still have to honour commitments to suppliers and pay taxes, even when clients fail to meet their obligations,” Kairo explained.
Kairo acknowledged that the firm had fallen short in addressing client concerns promptly, particularly in communication during the crisis.
However, he reassured customers that his team was actively working on solutions, including engaging external stakeholders like banks and investment firms.
“This is the first time in 10 years in the car industry that I’m facing such a crisis. But we are taking measures to resolve it,” he said.
Claims of Online Sabotage
Apart from financial hurdles, Kairo claimed that his company had been the target of deliberate online attacks. He alleged that competitors had paid celebrities and bloggers to tarnish his business reputation.
“These attacks are meant to instill fear and spread rumours about the company’s stability and my safety. But despite all efforts to destabilise us, we remain steadfast. We’ve been quite a disruptive force in the automotive industry in Kenya,” Kairo said.
Despite the challenges, Kairo highlighted Kai and Karo Limited’s achievements, including transacting over Sh1 billion in car sales within two years, winning the title of Kenya’s Best Car Dealer of the Year, and providing employment to over 50 youths.
His appeal to Kenyans
Kairo appealed to his clients for understanding as the company navigates this challenging period.
“I ask our clients to bear with us. We are reaching out to provide updated timelines for delayed vehicles. This is part of the growth stage of our company, and we will emerge stronger,” he stated.
He expressed gratitude to his family, friends, and wife, Wavinya Maria, for their unwavering support during these trying times.
“I’m fully resuming my duties. The showrooms remain open, and business continues. Let’s keep the trust alive as we work to regain stability,” he assured.
by GEOFFREY MBUTHIA