Explore the rise and controversy surrounding Clement Victor Kinuthia, the businessman at the center of the Imports by Kairo fallout with Khalif Kairo.
The Rise of Imports by Kairo
Imports by Kairo quickly rose to fame as one of Kenya’s most recognizable car dealerships, thanks in large part to the social media prowess of Khalif Kairo. However, behind the glossy Instagram reels and polished YouTube videos was a brewing storm between co-founders.
At the center of the storm is Clement Victor Kinuthia, who now solely controls the company.
Clement Kinuthia vs. Khalif Kairo: The Power Struggle
Initially founded in 2017, Imports by Kairo was a joint venture, with Kinuthia and Kairo both playing critical roles. While Kairo was the public face and marketing force behind the company, Kinuthia claims the real ownership and operational authority lay with him.
By 2022, tensions erupted. Kairo alleged that he was forced out through coercion and threats. Kinuthia refuted the claims, branding Kairo merely as a salesman rather than the CEO.
Ownership Structure
- Clement Victor Kinuthia – 45%
- Karanja – 45% (later transferred his shares to Kinuthia)
- Company – 10%
Legal Battles and Accusations
Defamation Suit
In 2023, Kinuthia sued Kairo for defamation, accusing him of using social media to tarnish the company’s reputation. He claimed Kairo’s new venture, Kai & Karo, confused clients, leading to order cancellations and lost revenue.
Kinuthia maintained that the defamatory content cost the company millions in lost business and prompted the court to block Kairo from using any trade references resembling IBK.
Fraud Allegations and Arrests
Kinuthia’s troubles didn’t end in the boardroom. In November and December 2023, he faced multiple fraud accusations:
- November 2023: Arrested for allegedly obtaining Ksh2.94 million from Sharon Chepkorir under false pretenses of importing a car.
- December 31, 2023: Arrested after failing to deliver a car valued at Ksh6 million.
He denied the charges in court and was released on bail. These cases intensified scrutiny into the company’s finances.
Decline in Business Performance
By 2023, Kinuthia admitted that Imports by Kairo was struggling. An internal audit revealed Ksh3 million in debt and poor financial health. He linked this decline to the public feud and the reputational damage caused by online allegations.
Conclusion
Clement Victor Kinuthia, once a silent partner, now stands as the face of a business marred by internal wrangles, lawsuits, and fraud claims. While Imports by Kairo was once a beacon of youth-driven enterprise success, its story has become a cautionary tale about partnership breakdowns and the cost of public disputes in business.
