The office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has charged a Malindi-based politician and two Italian nationals in connection with a fire incident that destroyed a luxury villa valued at KSh667 million in Kilifi County.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

In a statement obtained by Kenyans.co.ODPP said the accused were charged on Tuesday, July 7,  with reckless and negligent conduct causing harm, contrary to Section 243(d) of the Penal Code.

According to the prosecution, the accused allegedly failed to take reasonable precautions against a foreseeable danger after lighting an open fire, which is said to have spread uncontrollably and caused extensive destruction of property.

"The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has charged two people of Italian origin and a Malindi-based politician in connection with a fire that allegedly destroyed a luxury villa valued at KSh667 million in Kilifi County," ODPP stated in a statement.

📌 What You Need to Know

They 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," it added.

Court documents indicate that the blaze destroyed Duma Villa, a privately owned luxury property valued at approximately Ksh667 million.

The fire incident occurred on May 25 at Siro Land in Malindi constituency, spreading very fast, bringing down at least 12 executive villas along the Casino beachline.

According to an employee at one of the villas, the fire broke out at around 3 am.

During the proceedings, the accused pleaded not guilty, while the DPP asked the court to compel the accused to surrender their passports, arguing that the measure was necessary to ensure they remain within the court's jurisdiction and attend all court proceedings.

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

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke