Two Kenyan-Italians, politician charged after fire destroyed Ksh.667M villa in Malindi

Two Kenyan-Italians and a Malindi-based politician have been charged over a fire that allegedly destroyed a luxury villa worth Ksh.667 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 pair failed to take reasonable precautions after lighting an open fire while at Siro Land, which is said to have spread uncontrollably and burned down Duma Villa, valued at Ksh.667 million.

“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,” stated the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).

During the proceedings, the prosecution 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 as the case proceeds.

The prosecution further urged the court to retain the travel documents until the matter is heard and determined.

In her ruling, Magistrate Adhiambo released each of the accused on a personal bond of Ksh.300,000 and ordered them to deposit their passports in court as a condition for their release.

The case will be mentioned on July 23, 2026, for pre-trial directions.