Khalif Kairo granted out-of-court settlement chance in alleged fraud cases

Joseph Kairo before a Milimani Law Court on Monday, January 13, 2024. PHOTO: EZEKIEL AMING'A

City car dealer Joseph Kairu Wambui, popularly known as Khalif Kairo, has been granted 30 days to pursue an out-of-court settlement in his alleged fraud-related cases pending before the Milimani Law Courts.

The request was made by his defence team on Wednesday, July 23, during a court session before Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina, where the accused also sought permission to travel abroad and proposed redirection of his cash bail to the complainant.

Kairo’s lawyer informed the magistrate that they had formally written to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) requesting a review of the charges against him.

In a gesture toward resolution, the defence confirmed that a partial payment had already been made to the complainant, and that an outstanding balance remained.

The lawyer requested that the court grant the parties 30 days to complete the payment and reach a mutual agreement.

“We pray that you allow the DPP time to consider our request. I do confirm receipt of partial payment to the complainant, and we request the court to allow the parties to pursue settlement,” the counsel submitted.

The prosecution indicated they held no objection to the proposed resolution.

“If the accused can commit to making payments, then we can agree,” the prosecutor said.

Additionally, the prosecution told the court that Kairo had submitted documents supporting an intended trip to Japan, and that they had no objection to the travel, noting that he had previously honoured two return obligations.

Magistrate Onyina allowed the application and advised that if the parties reach a final agreement, the cash bail could be redirected to the complainant upon withdrawal.

He also directed the release of the accused’s passport to enable him to travel for the stated trip.

The matter will be mentioned on August 25 to confirm whether the settlement has been finalised and whether the DPP has responded to the review request.

Kairo was charged earlier this year with obtaining money by false pretences after allegedly taking money from clients without delivering promised vehicles.