ODPP charges two Italians, Malindi politician over Ksh667 million luxury Villa fire
ODPP charges two Italians, Malindi politician over Ksh667 million luxury Villa fire
Two Kenyan-Italians and a Malindi-based politician have been charged in connection with a fire that allegedly destroyed a luxury villa worth approximately Ksh667 million in Kilifi County.
In a statement on Tuesday, July 7, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) said the three suspects appeared before the Malindi Resident Magistrate’s Court, where they denied the charges.
“Franco Esposito, also known as Kososo wa Baya, and Elly Esposito appeared before Malindi Resident Magistrate Eva Adhiambo, where they were jointly charged with reckless and negligent conduct causing harm, contrary to Section 243(d) of the Penal Code,” the statement read.
According to the ODPP, the prosecution outlined the circumstances surrounding the alleged offence, claiming that the fire resulted from a failure to exercise reasonable care.
“Prosecution told the court that on 25th of May 2026, at Siro Land in Malindi Sub-county, the accused allegedly failed to take reasonable precautions against a foreseeable danger by lighting an open fire, which is said to have spread uncontrollably and caused extensive destruction of property,” the statement added.
The ODPP further stated that the blaze caused massive damage to a high-value property.
“According to the charge sheet, the fire resulted in the destruction of Duma Villa, a property valued at approximately KSh667 million and owned by Nagia Dahmani,” the statement further read.
The ODPP said the prosecution requested that the accused surrender their travel documents, citing concerns that they could leave the country before the case is concluded.
Mandago is the Gachagua of Rift Valley region; Ruto ally MP
Veteran High Court Judge Godfrey Omondi Tunya dies
Former IEBC officials fined after convictions over forged certificates
France withdraws all diplomats from Burkina Faso
“During the proceedings, Prosecution Counsel Mohamed Ahmed applied for orders requiring the accused persons to surrender their passports, submitting that the measure was necessary to ensure their continued attendance before the court and to minimise the risk of them leaving the court’s jurisdiction while the case is pending,” the statement noted.
The prosecution further urged the court to retain the travel documents until the matter is heard and determined.
In delivering her ruling, the magistrate granted the accused bond but imposed conditions aimed at ensuring their attendance throughout the trial.
“In her ruling, Resident Magistrate Eva Adhiambo admitted each accused to a personal bond of Ksh300,000. The court further directed that they deposit their passports in court as a condition for securing their attendance throughout the trial,” the statement concluded.
The case will be mentioned on July 23 for pre-trial directions.
KFS staff found dead weeks after going missing
Protesters arrested outside the Office of the President
Former Governor loses sister in road accident
IEBC proposes Sh4.44bn campaign spending limit for presidential candidates
