Controversial car dealer Khalif Kairo, real name Joseph Wambui, has told a Nairobi court he cannot afford to pay cash bail as he is broke.
Through his lawyer, Kairo informed Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina that he has abruptly become bankrupt and cannot raise the Sh 500,000 cash bail required for his release.
He presented a bank statement showing his account balance at only Sh 61,000, far below the court’s demand.
The court empathized and released him on a personal bond of Sh 3 million, requiring only a commitment to attend court.
He had already paid Sh 2 million cash bail in two other cases.
Earlier this week, Kairo requested his passport be released for a crowdfunding event in the US.
Magistrate Onyina released the passport, stating that despite objections from the prosecution, Kairo’s rights to movement should not be limited.
“The accused has been traveling outside the country and has always returned, there’s no fear he won’t return,” the court ruled, allowing the passport’s release but directed Kairo to return it upon returning to Kenya.
The case hearing is scheduled for May 26, 2025.