Chief Justice Martha Koome Suspends Magistrate After EACC Bribery Arrest
News Updated: 22 July 2026 14:13 EAT
Photo Courtesy: The Chief Justice Martha Koome
Chief Justice Martha Koome has suspended Senior Principal Magistrate Martin Mutegi of Kangema Law Courts after his arrest by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) over allegations of soliciting and receiving a bribe in connection with a matter pending before the court.
The Judiciary said the magistrate has been removed from active duty pending the conclusion of investigations and any subsequent disciplinary or criminal proceedings arising from the allegations.
EACC said Mutegi was arrested alongside Principal Probation Officer Julius Irungu Njogu during an operation in Kangema Township, Murang’a County, following a complaint over alleged demands for a financial inducement.
According to the anti-graft agency, the complaint was lodged by a businessman who had been convicted in a case involving obtaining money by false pretences and was awaiting sentencing.
The commission alleged that a bribe was sought to influence the preparation of a favourable probation report that would be presented before the court during sentencing.
EACC investigators said the probation officer allegedly demanded Sh170,000, claiming the money would facilitate the favourable outcome of the report.
The suspects were arrested during a sting operation in which investigators recovered Sh150,000 in marked currency, according to the commission.
The magistrate and the probation officer were later processed as investigations into the matter continued.
The allegations against the two officials have not been tested in court, and they remain innocent until proven guilty.
Chief Justice Koome’s decision to suspend the magistrate is part of the Judiciary’s administrative measures when judicial officers face serious integrity allegations.
The move is aimed at protecting public confidence in the justice system while allowing investigations to proceed without interference.
EACC has continued to investigate corruption-related complaints involving public officers across various government institutions.
The anti-corruption agency has urged members of the public to report cases of bribery and abuse of office to support efforts to promote accountability.
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FELIX MAKONA
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