Controversial car dealer Joseph Kairo Wambui, alias Khalif Kairo, was arrested again on Tuesday moments after attending a court mention for one of his multiple fraud cases, as detectives swooped in over new allegations tied to a Volkswagen Tiguan where he allegedly took payment for the SUV but failed to hand it over.

Kairo’s appearance at Milimani Law Courts was related to an earlier fraud charge for which he was paid Ksh 2 million cash bail on January 14, 2025.

The case involved allegations of defrauding clients of millions by accepting payments for vehicles he never delivered.

He was intercepted post-court by detectives who placed him into a police vehicle and drove away for further questioning.

Earlier during the court session, Kairo pleaded with Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina to release his passport, saying he needed to travel to the United States for seven days to attend a fundraiser.

Through his advocate Davidson Makau, Kairo assured the court that he was not a flight risk and would return after completing his trip.

The prosecution argued that Kairo must provide full details of his intended travel, including his departure date and itinerary before the court could consider his application.

Onyina directed the matter to be mentioned on January 31 to allow the defense to submit supporting documents.

In one case, he is accused of fraudulently obtaining Ksh 2.1 million from a client, Jeff Munane, between July 10 and July 25, 2024, at Westlands.

The money was paid through his company, Kai & Kairo Limited, for the importation of a Honda Vezel Hybrid from Japan, which was never delivered.

In another instance, Kairo allegedly induced Dona Okoth to transfer Ksh 2.98 million to Kai & Kairo Limited’s KCB bank account between July 29 and November 16, 2024.

The funds were meant for the purchase of a Subaru Outback, but the transaction was reportedly fraudulent.

For these charges, the court granted Kairo a cash bail of Ksh 1 million for each count or an alternative bond.

The fresh allegations leading to his arrest on Tuesday involve a similar case, as detectives continue to investigate his business dealings.