Chief Justice Justice Martha Koome, has responded to the arrest of Senior Principal Magistrate Hon. Martin Kinyua Mutegi of Kangema Law Courts, who was apprehended alongside a Probation Officer over allegations of soliciting and receiving a bribe in relation to a pending court matter.
In a statement issued on Wednesday July 22, Justice Koome said the allegations were serious and, if proven, would amount to a breach of the law, the Judicial Code of Conduct and Ethics, and the principles governing the administration of justice.
“My attention has been drawn to the statement issued by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) regarding the arrest of Hon. Martin Kinyua Mutegi, Senior Principal Magistrate at Kangema Law Courts, together with a Probation Officer, over allegations of soliciting and receiving a bribe in connection with a matter pending before the court,” Justice Koome said.
“The allegations are grave and, if proved, constitute a serious violation of the law, the Judicial Code of Conduct and Ethics, and the values that underpin the administration of justice.”
The Chief Justice reiterated that the Judiciary maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and unethical conduct among judicial officers and staff.
Justice Koome also warned that any actions that undermine public confidence in the courts threaten the foundation of the justice system.
“Any conduct that undermines public confidence in the administration of justice strikes at the very foundation of the Judiciary,” she added.
The Chief Justice said those entrusted with administering justice have a higher duty to uphold the law and maintain the ethical standards expected of them.
She, however, emphasized that the magistrate remains entitled to due process as investigations continue, while making clear that the Judiciary would not protect individuals found to have engaged in criminal or unethical conduct.
“While every person against whom allegations are made remains entitled to due process, the Judiciary will not shield or condone criminal or unethical conduct by any person serving within its ranks,” she said.
The Judiciary and the Judicial Service Commission have since begun administrative and disciplinary procedures in accordance with the Judicial Service Act and applicable human resource policies.
According to Justice Koome, the magistrate will be relieved of judicial duties pending the conclusion of the processes, without affecting ongoing criminal investigations by relevant state agencies.
“Pending the conclusion of those processes, the judicial officer will be relieved of judicial duties in accordance with the law and established procedures, without prejudice to the ongoing criminal investigations by the relevant constitutional agencies,” she stated.
Justice Koome further assured Kenyans that the Judiciary would continue cooperating with the EACC and other investigative bodies in carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.
She said the Judiciary and the JSC remain committed to protecting the integrity of Kenya’s justice system and taking decisive action against any officer or staff member who fails to meet the required ethical standards.
“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.”
Koome’s statement comes after EACC arrested Principal Magistrate Martin Kinyua Mutegi 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 duo were nabbed on Monday, July 21, 2026, during an intelligence-led operation at a restaurant in Kangema Township, Murang’a County.
