Mombasa, Kenya – Six Iranian nationals who had earlier pleaded guilty to trafficking narcotic drugs worth an estimated Ksh 8.2 billion have now reversed their pleas, denying the charges before the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Mombasa.
The accused Jasem Darzaen Nia, Nadeem Jadgai, Imran Baloch, Hassan Baloch, Rahim Baksh, and Imtiyaz Daryayi were intercepted in the Indian Ocean aboard an unregistered vessel and initially admitted guilt two weeks ago. On Thursday, they requested that the charge be read afresh, claiming they had not fully understood the allegations at the time of their first plea.
Upon re-reading of the charge, all six entered pleas of not guilty.
Charges and Prosecution Case
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has charged the men under Section 4(a)(1) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act No. 4 of 1994, as amended in 2022.
Prosecutors allege the suspects were jointly involved in trafficking 1,036.044 kilograms of methamphetamine aboard a stateless dark vessel named Mashaallah. The offence is said to have occurred between October 17 and 20, 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 massive consignment underscores the transnational nature of the crime and the growing threat posed by maritime drug trafficking networks,” the ODPP stated.
Bond Denied
The prosecution opposed the release of the accused on bond, arguing that as foreign nationals with no known local residence or reliable contacts, they posed a high risk of absconding.
Chief Magistrate Anthony Mwicigi agreed with the DPP, denying bond and ordering that the suspects be remanded at Shimo La Tewa Prison pending trial. The court also directed that pro bono legal counsel be provided at state expense to ensure a fair trial.
Next Steps
The matter has been scheduled for pre-trial mention on February 19, 2026, when the court will set directions for the substantive hearing.
Conclusion
The reversal of pleas by the six Iranian nationals adds a new twist to one of Kenya’s largest maritime drug trafficking cases. With the suspects now contesting the charges, the upcoming trial is expected to test the country’s legal framework for handling transnational organised crime.
