Prominent city lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi has come to the defence of Joseph Kairu Wambui, popularly known as Khalif Kairo, a renowned car marketer recently embroiled in legal troubles.
Kairo, who was arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts on fraud charges, has found himself at the center of a heated debate, with the state opposing his bail over allegations he poses a flight risk.
Taking to his official X account (formerly Twitter), Ahmednasir, widely known as the Grand Mullah, expressed his support for the embattled businessman, despite not having a personal connection with him.
“I don’t know Khalif Kairo at all. Of course, I occasionally see him on X living in the fast lane. He has some small second-hand car business that lately got him into trouble. But it is sad to see some lowlifes rejoicing at his misfortunes,” Ahmednasir posted.
Ahmednasir urged critics to stop celebrating Kairo’s struggles, emphasising the challenges young entrepreneurs face in Kenya’s tough business environment.
“All types of businesses face challenges and difficult times. This young man is facing business challenges,” he wrote. “I’m willing to mediate between him and the complainant to resolve this matter amicably. I can help!”
Kairo, represented by lawyers Danstan Omari and Cliff Ombeta, denied allegations of fraud and insisted he is not a flight risk. The prosecution, however, argued otherwise, citing a written affidavit by a Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officer detailing the effort it took to locate and apprehend him.
The prosecution also presented a flight ticket as evidence, claiming Kairo intended to leave the country. However, Kairo’s defence dismissed the claim, stating the ticket was irrelevant and that he had cooperated fully with investigators since the complaints were filed.
Kairo told the court that the charges were part of an attempt to tarnish his reputation and destroy his business.
“The sole purpose of this case is to damage my reputation and ruin my business,” Kairo asserted.
Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina is set to rule on Kairo’s bail application on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at 2 p.m.
The case has sparked public interest, with Ahmednasir’s intervention drawing mixed reactions as debates rage on about the challenges faced by young entrepreneurs navigating Kenya’s hostile business environment.
