Khalif Kairo: Age, Net Worth, Wife, Biography, Arrest, Tribe & More
Inside the Life of Kenya’s Boldest Car Dealer—Scandals, Success, and Surprises

Khalif Kairo isn’t your typical entrepreneur—he’s the outspoken luxury car dealer who’s become as famous for his flashy lifestyle and hot takes as he is for his high-end showroom. From building a multimillion-shilling business in his 20s to brushing shoulders with controversy and headlines, Kairo’s journey is anything but ordinary.
In this article, we take a closer look at his age, net worth, wife (or lack thereof), biography, tribe, and the recent arrest buzz that got the internet talking.
Quick Facts About Khalif Kairo
- Full Name: Joseph Kairo Wambui
- Known As: Khalif Kairo
- Date of Birth: November 1996
- Age: 28
- Place of Birth: Kawangware, Nairobi County, Kenya
- Tribe: Kikuyu
- Profession: Car Dealer, Entrepreneur, Social Media Personality
- Company: Kai & Kairo Motors
- Estimated Net Worth: Over Ksh1 billion (as of September 2023)
Khalif Kairo Real Name
Khalif Kairo’s real name is Joseph Kairo Wambui. He adopted the name “Khalif Kairo” as his professional identity in the luxury car business.
Khalif Kairo Age
Khalif Kairo was born on November 5, 1996 making him 28 years old.
Khalif Kairo Tribe
He is of Kikuyu descent.
Khalif Kairo Biography
Born in the vibrant neighborhood of Kawangware, Nairobi, Khalif Kairo's entrepreneurial spirit was evident from a young age. He attended Huduma Primary Pre-unit and later World Hope Academy for his primary education. His secondary education saw him at Dagoretti High School in 2011 and subsequently at Kahuho Uhuru High School from 2012 to 2014. Upon completing high school, Kairo's passion for automobiles led him to enroll in driving classes, setting the foundation for his future ventures in the automotive industry.
Career & Business Ventures
Kairo's foray into the automotive world began with his involvement in car importation and sales. He co-founded "Imports by Kairo," which later evolved into "Kai & Kairo Motors," where he serves as the CEO. His innovative marketing strategies, particularly leveraging social media platforms, propelled him to national fame. Kairo's engaging content, showcasing luxury vehicles and behind-the-scenes glimpses of the car importation process, garnered him a substantial online following.
His business acumen and charismatic online presence positioned him as a prominent figure among Kenya's youth, especially during the Gen Z protests in July 2024, where he voiced support for youth-driven initiatives.
Khalif Kairo Wife
Khalif Kairo was previously in a relationship with Maria Wavinya, a Kenyan model and beauty queen who was crowned Miss World Kenya in 2019. The couple began dating in mid-2024 and announced their marriage just four months later, with Kairo stating they were "legally married" and planning a modest beach wedding.

However, by early 2025, Kairo confirmed that he and Wavinya had amicably separated. He cited his workaholic nature as a contributing factor to their breakup, emphasizing that their split was unrelated to his legal issues at the time.
As of May 2025, Khalif Kairo is not publicly known to be in a relationship.
Legal Challenges & Arrests
Kairo's entrepreneurial journey has not been without controversy. He has faced multiple legal challenges related to his business dealings:
- December 2024: Arrested over allegations of failing to deliver a Range Rover valued at Ksh26 million to a client.
- January 2025: Detained at Capitol Hill Police Station for allegedly defrauding a client by not delivering a vehicle after full payment.
- March 2025: Re-arrested at Milimani Law Courts on fresh fraud allegations involving the non-delivery of a BMW after receiving full payment.
Kairo has consistently denied these allegations, attributing his legal troubles to political motivations and business rivalries. In a statement, he remarked,
"This is politically motivated. Every time I start waking up, getting deals here and there, and going back to work, the arrests mysteriously begin."
Conclusion
Khalif Kairo's story is one of ambition, innovation, and controversy. From humble beginnings in Kawangware to becoming a prominent car dealer and social media personality, his journey underscores the potential of leveraging digital platforms for business growth.
However, his legal challenges highlight the complexities and risks associated with rapid business expansion. As Kairo navigates these challenges, his resilience and adaptability will determine his future trajectory in Kenya's entrepreneurial landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions About Khalif Kairo
Who is Khalif Kairo?
Khalif Kairo, born Joseph Kairo Wambui, is a Kenyan entrepreneur known for founding Jetman Global, a luxury car dealership. He gained prominence for his flamboyant lifestyle and social media presence.
How old is Khalif Kairo?
As of May 2025, Khalif Kairo is 28 years old. However, there have been claims suggesting he might be older, with some court documents indicating an age of 34.
What is Khalif Kairo's tribe?
Khalif Kairo is of Kikuyu descent.
Is Khalif Kairo married?
Khalif Kairo was previously in a relationship with Maria Wavinya, Miss World Kenya 2019. They announced their marriage after dating for four months. However, by early 2025, Kairo confirmed they had amicably separated.
Why was Khalif Kairo arrested?
In early 2025, Khalif Kairo was arrested and remanded on allegations related to fraud and misrepresentation in his car dealership business. He remained in remand as he attempted to raise a Ksh2 million bond.
Is Khalif Kairo still in remand?
As of the latest reports, Khalif Kairo remains in remand pending the fulfillment of his bond requirements.
What businesses does Khalif Kairo own?
Khalif Kairo is the founder of Jetman Global and Kai & Karo, both involved in the luxury car dealership sector.
Where can I follow Khalif Kairo on social media?
You can follow Khalif Kairo on:
- Instagram: @khalifkairo
- X (formerly Twitter): @KhalifKairo



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