Kenyan car dealer Khalif Kairo has once again found himself at the centre of controversy after auctioneers announced plans to sell assets belonging to his company, Kai & Karo, over alleged rent arrears.
According to a public auction notice that has since gone viral online, office equipment from the company is set to be auctioned on March 11, 2026, at the Diamond Plaza parking lot in Nairobi.
The notice, issued by Nairobi Connection Services Auctioneers, lists the case as “Landlord vs Kai & Karo,” suggesting the move stems from an alleged dispute over unpaid rent.
The looming auction has sparked widespread debate online, especially because it comes just days after Khalif Kairo publicly announced that his business was transitioning into a fully digital automotive platform.
Office Equipment Listed for Auction
Details contained in the notice show that several office items are expected to go under the hammer during the sale scheduled for 11:30 AM.
Among the assets listed are reception counters, office chairs, desks, computer monitors, carpets, shelves, printers, and a water dispenser.
The inventory also includes a money-counting machine, a small office safe, and other workplace equipment typically found in a corporate setup.
According to the notice, successful bidders will be required to make payment in cash immediately after the fall of the hammer, which is a common requirement in many public auctions.
The revelation has raised fresh questions about the financial stability of the once high-profile car dealership business.
Digital Shift Raises Eyebrows
Interestingly, the auction notice surfaced just days after Khalif Kairo took to X to announce a major shift in his company’s operations.
In the March 6 post, the entrepreneur said Kai & Karo was “evolving” into a digital automotive platform, explaining that the company would temporarily close its physical office while maintaining its services online.
According to Kairo, the company will continue offering vehicle listings, direct vehicle importation, and automotive consultancy through digital channels.
However, the timing of the announcement has left many online observers skeptical, with some speculating that the digital transition could be linked to the alleged rent dispute.
Social Media Criticism Intensifies
Soon after the auction notice began circulating online, critics flocked to social media platforms with sharp reactions, accusing the businessman of attempting to reframe the situation as a strategic business shift.
One social media user who shared the auction notice questioned Kairo’s explanation, writing:
“Evolving while you’re being auctioned? You’re a conman.”
The post quickly gained traction online, attracting more than 1,200 likes and triggering heated debates among users.
While some accused Kairo of misleading customers, others came to his defense, arguing that business restructuring and landlord disputes are common challenges many entrepreneurs face.
A Controversial Figure in Kenya’s Car Importation Industry
Over the years, Kairo has built a large following online thanks to his outspoken personality and active presence on social media.
Through Kai & Karo, he positioned himself as a middleman helping Kenyans import vehicles from international markets, particularly Japan and the United Kingdom, two of the most popular sources for second-hand vehicles in Kenya.
Despite the success and visibility of the brand, the company has also faced criticism from some customers who have taken to social media in the past to complain about delayed deliveries and disputed transactions.
Kairo has often dismissed such allegations as attempts to tarnish his reputation, insisting that his company operates within the law.
Uncertainty ahead of the planned auction
With the scheduled auction date fast approaching, it remains unclear whether the dispute will be resolved before the sale takes place.
Should the auction proceed as planned, it could deal a major blow to Kairo’s public image, particularly at a time when his company is attempting to reposition itself as a digital-first automotive marketplace.
For now, the unfolding saga continues to draw significant attention online, highlighting the intense scrutiny faced by social media-driven businesses operating in Kenya’s highly competitive car importation industry.
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