Six Iranian nationals charged with trafficking narcotic drugs worth an estimated Ksh 8.2 billion have reversed their earlier guilty pleas,
In a statement on Friday, the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) said the 6 suspects requested that the charge be read afresh, claiming they had not understood it when they pleaded guilty a fortnight ago.
Following a fresh reading of the charges, all six Iranian nationals pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking charges.
The six are facing charges of trafficking in narcotic drugs contrary to Section 4(a)(1) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act No. 4 of 1994, as amended in 2022.
The prosecutors told the court the accused were jointly involved in trafficking 1,036.044 kilograms of methamphetamine aboard an unregistered and stateless dark vessel named “Mashaallah.”
The court was informed that the offence was committed between 17th and 20th October 2025, on the high seas at Latitude 04° 46.79’S and Longitude 045° 27.42’E, approximately 350 nautical miles east of the Port of Mombasa.
The prosecution strongly opposed the release of the accused on bond, arguing that the suspects are foreign nationals with no known local residence or reliable contacts, presenting a high risk of absconding if released.
The court agreed with the prosecution’s position and denied the accused bond, ordering that they be remanded at Shimo La Tewa Prison pending hearing and determination of the case.
The court further directed that pro bono legal counsel be appointed at state expense to ensure a fair trial. The matter will be mentioned for pre-trial on 19th February 2026.
Also Read: 6 Iranian Nationals Plead Guilty to Trafficking Drugs Worth Ksh8.2 Billion
