Embattled car dealer Khalif Kairo has been charged with tax fraud amounting to Sh1,283,830, following investigations by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) into the importation of a luxury vehicle.

Kairo appeared before the Nyeri Law Court, where he faced accusations from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) regarding the handling of a Land Rover Range Rover Vogue imported earlier this year.

KRA alleges that the vehicle was wrongly declared as a different model and the transaction, dated January 10, 2024, allegedly enabled the businessman to underpay customs duty by Sh1,283,830.

He denied the charge and was released on a bond of Sh500,000  pending further mention of the case on June 4, 2025.

If convicted, he risks either a prison term not exceeding three years or a fine of up to Sh1 million.

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The case adds to a string of legal woes that have recently cast a long shadow over Kairo’s name.

Earlier this year, he was accused by several clients of receiving large payments for imported vehicles that were never delivered.

In one reported case, a customer claimed to have paid Sh2.1 million for a Honda Vezel that never arrived.

Another reported losing Sh2.98 million for an undelivered Subaru Outback.

Kairo, who built a reputation through social media and flashy marketing in Kenya’s car import business, has maintained his innocence in all matters.

However, the rising tide of disputes and court proceedings continues to cloud his standing in the industry.