A Kenyan-Italian national and his co-accused have been charged before the Malindi Law Courts over a fire that allegedly destroyed a luxury villa in Malindi, causing losses estimated at more than KSh667 million

Franco Esposito, also known as Kososo wa Baya, and Elly Esposito appeared in court on Monday facing a charge of reckless and negligent act causing harm contrary to Section 243(d) of the Penal Code.

According to the charge sheet filed by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the two are accused of omitting to take precautions against probable danger by allegedly starting an open fire and failing to contain it.

Prosecutors told the court that the incident occurred on May 25, 2026, at Siro Land area in Malindi Sub-county, Kilifi County, where the fire is alleged to have spread and destroyed Duma Villa, a property belonging to Nagia Dahmani. The villa is valued at more than KSh667 million.

The accused were arrested on July 6, 2026, and arraigned before the Malindi Law Courts the same day. They were remanded in custody pending further directions by the court.

The case is registered as Police Case No. 313/2026 under OB Number 11/27/05/2026.

The prosecution has lined up several witnesses, including the complainant, Nagia Dahmani, Samuel Katana, Anderson Mwen, Agnes Mashaka Kaingu, Kingi Karisa, and police officers attached to Malindi Police Station.

According to the ODPP, investigations into the matter have been completed and the case is now before the court for hearing.