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 two suspects, identified as Hon. Martin Kinyua Mutegi, a Senior Principal Magistrate at Kangema Law Courts, and Julius Irungu Njogu, a Principal Probation Officer, were arrested on Monday, July 21, 2026, during an intelligence-led operation at a restaurant in Kangema Township, Murang’a County.
According to the EACC, the arrests followed a complaint filed by a businessman from Murang’a County who had been convicted on July 2, 2026, in a case involving obtaining money by false pretences. The complainant was scheduled to be sentenced on July 22, 2026.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the probation officer allegedly approached the complainant, claiming to be acting on behalf of the magistrate, and demanded Ksh170,000.
The officer reportedly assured the businessman that the payment would secure a favourable probation report, resulting in a non-custodial sentence instead of imprisonment.
The anti-graft agency subsequently launched an operation that culminated in the arrest of the two suspects as they allegedly received Ksh150,000 from the complainant.
In a statement, the Commission said, “The suspects were arrested while receiving Ksh150,000 from the complainant and are currently in custody at Nyeri Central Police Station.”
EACC added that the suspects will be processed at the Commission’s Central Regional Office before being presented in court to face appropriate charges.
The Commission described the arrests as part of its continued efforts to combat corruption within public institutions, particularly at critical service delivery points where bribery undermines public confidence in the justice system.
“EACC reiterates its commitment to tackling bribery at service delivery points and enhancing the quality of public services for all citizens,” the agency said.
The latest arrests underscore the Commission’s sustained crackdown on corruption in the judiciary and other public institutions, warning public officers against abusing their positions for personal gain.
