Businessman Khalif Kairo recently opened up about his time spent in prison following multiple fraud allegations against him. Despite the challenges of incarceration, Kairo described the experience as surprisingly peaceful, thanks to the ample free time he had to focus on reading and self-reflection.
During the first ten days behind bars, Kairo found rest and calm, calling it the most peaceful period he had experienced. He spent much of this time reading extensively, including a large portion of the Bible—from Genesis to the Acts of the Apostles—which covers more than half of the scripture. This spiritual journey helped him cope with the difficult conditions inside prison.
Kairo also shared details about the strict daily routine in prison. Each day began with a count at 6 a.m., where prisoners were required to wake and squat as officers conducted roll calls. After the early count, he would go back to sleep until the next count at 11 a.m., after which he dedicated the rest of the day to reading. He emphasized the importance of accepting prison life without trying to feel special, noting that every inmate must follow the rules and maintain discipline.
In addition to the Bible, Kairo took the opportunity to read a variety of other books that kept his mind engaged. His reading list included Elon Musk’s biography, which offers insight into the life of the famous entrepreneur, and “The 48 Laws of Power,” a well-known guide to strategy and influence. He also read “Unplugged” by Jacob Aliet, a book that captured his interest, as well as “How to Slow Down in a Fast Moving World,” which explores managing life’s pace in modern times.
More recently, Kairo faced new legal troubles, this time involving allegations of tax evasion. He was charged with deliberately misdeclaring a luxury vehicle to reduce customs duties. According to tax officials, he declared a Land Rover Range Rover Vogue as a used Range Rover Sport, aiming to pay less tax. Kairo appeared in court and pleaded not guilty to the charges. He was granted bail on a bond of 500,000 Kenyan shillings, with the next court date set for early June.
If found guilty, Kairo could face up to three years in prison or a fine of up to one million Kenyan shillings under tax laws. Despite the ongoing legal battles, his reflections on prison life reveal a time of personal growth, shaped by discipline and a commitment to reading during his confinement.
