Kangema Magistrate Suspended After Arrest in Alleged KSh170,000 Bribery Case

The Judiciary

Chief Justice Martha Koome has suspended Kangema Senior Principal Magistrate Martin Kinyua Mutegi from judicial duties after his arrest over alleged bribery.

The decision takes immediate effect as investigations continue into claims that the magistrate solicited and received a bribe linked to a criminal case before the Kangema Law Courts.

JSC Launches Disciplinary Proceedings

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Koome said the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) had commenced disciplinary proceedings against the magistrate in accordance with the Judicial Service Act and the Judiciary's human resource policies.

She said the judicial officer would remain out of active duty while both the disciplinary process and criminal investigations proceed.

According to the Chief Justice, the suspension does not interfere with the ongoing investigations being conducted by the relevant constitutional agencies.

Koome Says Judiciary Will Uphold Integrity

Koome maintained that the Judiciary would not tolerate criminal or unethical conduct by its officers, while reiterating that every accused person is entitled to a fair process.

She said judicial officers are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity because they are entrusted with administering justice on behalf of the public.

The Chief Justice added that the institution would continue to take appropriate action whenever allegations of misconduct arise.

EACC Arrested Magistrate and Probation Officer

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) said it arrested the magistrate together with a Principal Probation Officer following a complaint from a litigant.

According to the commission, the complainant alleged that the two officials demanded money in exchange for influencing the outcome of a criminal case.

Investigators claim the suspects sought KSh170,000 to facilitate a favourable probation report that would lead to a non-custodial sentence.

The anti-graft agency said investigations into the alleged bribery scheme are ongoing.