Two Kenyan-Italians, Politician Charged Over Ksh 667 Million Malindi Villa Fire

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The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has charged two Kenyan-Italians and a Malindi-based politician over a house fire that allegedly destroyed a luxury villa worth Ksh 667 million in Kilifi County.

The accused, who are Franco Esposito, also known as Kososo wa Baya, Elly Esposito, and the politician appeared in court before Malindi Resident Magistrate Eva Adhiambo, where they pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The suspects were jointly charged with reckless and negligent conduct causing harm, which is contrary to Section 243(d) of the Penal Code.

Prosecution told the court that on May 25 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.

Property Destroyed

The fire is said to have spread uncontrollably and caused extensive destruction of property.

According to the charge sheet, the fire resulted in the destruction of Duma Villa, a property that is valued at approximately Ksh 667 million and owned by Nagia Dahmani.

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During the court proceedings, prosecution counsel Mohamed Ahmed asked the court to tell the accused to surrender their passports as an assurance for their continued attendance to court proceedings.

Court argued that the measure was necessary to ensure they remain within the court’s jurisdiction as the case continues taking place.

Passports Retained

The prosecution maintained that retaining the travel documents would reduce the risk of the accused fleeing the country before the matter is concluded.

In her ruling, Resident Magistrate Eva Adhiambo released each of the accused on a personal bond of Ksh 300,000.

The court also ordered the suspects to deposit their passports as a condition of their release pending their trial in court.

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Their documents will be retained by the court until the case comes to an end.

The court has scheduled the case is for mention on July 23, 2026, for pre-trial directions.

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