The Judiciary has suspended Kangema Senior Principal Magistrate Martin Kinyua Mutegi from performing judicial duties following his arrest over allegations of bribery.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, Chief Justice Martha Koome said the allegations facing the magistrate and a probation officer are serious and, if proven, amount to a breach of the law, the Judicial Code of Conduct and Ethics, and the principles that underpin the administration of justice.
“The Judiciary has consistently maintained a policy of zero tolerance to corruption and all forms of unethical conduct,” said Chief Justice Koome.
She emphasized that judicial officers are required to uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability, adding that the Judiciary will not shield any officer accused of criminal or unethical behavior.
“I have consistently stated that judges, judicial officers and members of staff cannot discharge justice with one hand and commit a crime with the other,” she stated.
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The Chief Justice confirmed that the Judiciary and the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) have already initiated disciplinary and administrative proceedings against the magistrate.
Pending the outcome of the disciplinary process, Mutegi will remain relieved of all judicial responsibilities, although the suspension will not interfere with ongoing criminal investigations being conducted by relevant agencies.
Koome further assured the public that the Judiciary will fully cooperate with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and other investigative bodies handling the matter.
“We will continue to act firmly, fairly, and decisively against any judicial officer or member of staff whose conduct falls short of the high ethical standards expected of those entrusted with the administration of justice,” the statement concluded.
The suspension comes a day after the EACC announced the arrest of Magistrate Mutegi and a Principal Probation Officer over allegations of soliciting and receiving a bribe from a litigant in exchange for influencing the outcome of a criminal case.
The case has renewed public focus on accountability within the justice system as anti-corruption agencies intensify efforts to combat graft in public institutions.
