A Mombasa man, Martin Mugendi Gitonga, has been formally charged with conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine valued at Ksh114.5 million. The case is connected to a larger narcotics seizure worth Ksh8.2 billion involving six Iranian nationals currently on trial.
Gitonga appeared before Senior Principal Magistrate Gladys Olimo at the Mombasa Law Courts on August 12, 2026, where he denied the charge. The prosecution alleges that between November 21 and 24, 2025, Gitonga conspired with others to traffic 14,321 grams of methamphetamine.
The alleged drugs are believed to be part of the massive haul recovered from the six Iranians—Nia Jasem Darzadeh, Jadgal Nadeem Abdulgani, Baloch Hassan, Baloch Imran Mustafa, Baksh Rahim Goharam, and Daryayi Imtiyaz—whose case is being heard in the same court.
During the hearing, the prosecution expressed intent to consolidate Gitonga's case with the ongoing trial involving the Iranians. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) requested that Gitonga be granted bail on terms similar to those given to the other suspects, who were released on a Ksh5 million surety bond or Ksh3 million cash bail.
Gitonga's defense lawyer requested reasonable bail conditions, highlighting that his client has no prior criminal record and assured the court of his compliance with all bail terms, including non-interference with witnesses. The defense also asked for full disclosure of the prosecution's evidence.
Magistrate Olimo granted Gitonga a Ksh2 million bond with two sureties or an alternative Ksh2 million cash bail, along with two contact persons. The case is set for mention on August 30, 2026.
