The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested a Senior Principal Magistrate attached to Kangema Law Courts 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 suspects, identified as Martin Kinyua Mutegi, a Senior Principal Magistrate at Kangema Law Courts, and Julius Irungu Njogu, a Principal Probation Officer, were arrested on July 21, 2026, during an operation conducted by EACC officers at a restaurant in Kangema Township, Murang’a County.
According to the Commission, the arrests followed a complaint lodged by a businessman from Murang’a County who had been convicted on July 2, 2026, in a criminal case involving obtaining money by false pretences. The complainant was scheduled to be sentenced on July 22, 2026.
Alleged Bribe Demand
Preliminary investigations by the anti-graft agency established that the probation officer allegedly approached the complainant and claimed he was acting on behalf of the magistrate.
The officer reportedly demanded KSh170,000, assuring the businessman that the money would secure a favourable probation report and ultimately result in a non-custodial sentence instead of a jail term.
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Following the complaint, EACC launched an undercover operation that culminated in the arrest of the two suspects while allegedly receiving KSh150,000 from the complainant.
Suspects in Custody
The Commission said the suspects are currently being held at Nyeri Central Police Station and will undergo further processing at the EACC Central Regional Office as investigations continue.
EACC noted that the operation forms part of its broader efforts to combat corruption within public institutions and safeguard the integrity of the justice system.
EACC Reaffirms Anti-Corruption Fight
In a statement, the Commission reiterated its commitment to eliminating bribery at public service delivery points and ensuring that citizens receive services without unlawful demands for payments.
The anti-graft agency emphasized that corruption within the justice sector undermines public confidence in the rule of law and vowed to pursue all individuals found engaging in corrupt practices.
The case adds to ongoing efforts by EACC to crack down on corruption within the Judiciary and other public institutions across the country.
