Martin Mugendi Gitonga appeared before Mombasa Senior Principal Magistrate Gladys Olimo charged with conspiracy to traffic 14,321 grammes of methamphetamine worth approximately Sh114.6 million. The alleged offence occurred between November 21 and 24, 2025, within Kenya.
The prosecution linked Gitonga's case to a larger ongoing trial involving six Iranian nationals connected to a massive Sh8.2 billion drug seizure. The six Iranians are Nia Jasem Darzadeh, Jadgal Nadeem Abdulgani, Baloch Hassan, Baloch Imran Mustafa, Baksh Rahim Goharam, and Daryayi Imtiyaz.
Principal Prosecution Counsel Christine Mbevi informed the court of intentions to consolidate Gitonga's case with the Iranian drug trafficking matter, which is before the same court. The accused in the related case have been released on surety bonds or cash bail.
Gitonga denied the charges and through his lawyer requested reasonable bail terms, emphasizing his clean criminal record and willingness to comply with all court conditions, including non-interference with witnesses. The defence also requested access to all prosecution evidence.
Magistrate Olimo granted Gitonga a bond of Sh2 million with two sureties or alternatively Sh2 million cash bail with two contact persons. The case is scheduled for mention on August 30, 2026.
