MALINDI, Kilifi County—Franco Esposito alias Kososo wa Baya, a Kenyan-Italian national, and co-accused Elly Esposito were on Monday arraigned before the Malindi Law Courts where they faced charges of reckless and negligent act causing harm following an alleged fire incident that destroyed property valued at KSh 667 million.
The two, who stood in the dock during the court appearance, are accused of failing to take precaution against probable danger after allegedly starting an open fire on May 25, 2026 at Siro Land area in Malindi Sub-county, Kilifi County, which they reportedly failed to contain.
Prosecutors told the court that the fire spread rapidly, destroying Duma Villa, a high-value property belonging to complainant Nagia Dahmani.
The accused were arrested earlier on the same day they were arraigned and were subsequently remanded in custody. The court also ordered that their passports be detained.
The prosecution, led by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) in Malindi, indicated that investigations into the matter have been completed, with the case file now ready for hearing.
A list of witnesses has been lined up, including the complainant Nagia Dahmani, Samuel Katana, Anderson Mwen, Agnes Mashaka Kaingu, Kingi Karisa, and several police officers involved in the investigation.
The matter, registered under Police Case No. 313/2026 and OB Number 11/27/05/2026, highlights ongoing legal scrutiny over fire safety compliance and alleged negligence in high-value coastal developments.
