A Kilifi court has on Tuesday released a 72-year-old Italian businessman accused of defrauding a coastal tourist establishment of Sh35 million on a Sh1 million cash bail.
Chief Magistrate James Mwaniki, at the same time, ordered Daniel Ricci, who also holds Kenyan citizenship, to deposit his passport with the court and to seek permission from the magistrate should he wish to travel outside Kenya.
This was after Ricci denied charges of defrauding Ravina Beach Gardens Limited in a series of land transactions involving parcel number 637 Mambrui in Magarini Sub County, Kilifi County.
Mwaniki granted the accused person a bond of Sh2 million, with a Kenyan surety of a similar amount, or an alternative cash bail of Sh1 million.
The court heard that between January 2021 and October 2024, Ricci received Sh35 million from Ravina Beach Gardens Limited under false pretences, claiming he had the authority to sell the disputed parcel of land on behalf of land agents Gala Holdings Limited.
It was alleged that between January 2021 and September 2021, Ricci concealed critical documents, including a power of attorney and an agreement dated 2019, while acting as an agent for Gala Holdings Limited, the land seller.
The prosecution accused him of falsely representing himself as both the director of Gala Holdings Limited and the owner of the property.
The tycoon was apprehended Friday in Malindi, Kilifi County, after skipping court appearances since November 2024, a behaviour that prompted the court to issue a warrant of arrest against him on March 6, 2024.
Ricci’s lawyer, Tukero Ole Kina, opposed a move by the prosecution seeking to confiscate the accused person’s mobile phone, arguing that it infringes on his client’s right to privacy.
By Janet Kenga
