MALINDI, Kenya — The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has charged two Kenyan-Italians and a Malindi-based politician over a fire that allegedly destroyed a luxury villa valued at Sh667 million in Kilifi County.
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.
According to the prosecution, the incident occurred on May 25, 2026, at Siro Land in Malindi Sub-county.
The prosecution told the court that the accused allegedly failed to take reasonable precautions against a foreseeable danger after lighting an open fire, which reportedly spread uncontrollably and caused extensive property damage.
Court documents state that the blaze destroyed Duma Villa, a luxury property owned by Nagia Dahmani and valued at approximately Sh667 million.
During the proceedings, prosecution counsel Mohamed Ahmed asked the court to compel the accused to surrender their passports, arguing that the measure was necessary to ensure they remained within the court’s jurisdiction throughout the trial.
The prosecution maintained that retaining the travel documents would minimise the risk of the accused leaving the country before the case is concluded.
The accused denied the charges.
In her ruling, Resident Magistrate Eva Adhiambo released each accused on a personal bond of Sh300,000.
The court also ordered them to deposit their passports as a condition of their release to guarantee their attendance during the proceedings.
The case will be mentioned on July 23, 2026, for pre-trial directions.
The prosecution has not disclosed further details regarding the alleged role of the Malindi-based politician or the circumstances surrounding the fire as investigations and court proceedings continue.