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 to influence the sentencing of a convicted businessman.
In a statement issued on Monday, July 21, the anti-graft agency said Hon. Martin Kinyua Mutegi, a Senior Principal Magistrate at Kangema Law Courts, and Julius Irungu Njogu, a Principal Probation Officer, were arrested during a sting operation conducted in Kangema Township, Murang’a County.
According to the Commission, the two suspects were apprehended while allegedly receiving KSh150,000 from a complainant.
Complaint by convicted businessman
The EACC said the operation 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 businessman was scheduled to be sentenced on July 22, 2026, and feared he was being asked to pay a bribe to influence the outcome of the sentencing.
According to preliminary investigations, the probation officer allegedly approached the complainant claiming he was acting on behalf of the magistrate.
Investigators say the officer demanded KSh170,000, allegedly promising that the money would secure a favourable probation report that would persuade the court to impose a non-custodial sentence instead of sending the businessman to prison.
EACC mounts sting operation
Following the complaint, the Commission launched an undercover operation that culminated in the arrest of the two suspects.
“EACC mounted an operation that culminated in the arrest of the two suspects while receiving KSh150,000 from the complainant,” the Commission said.
The suspects were immediately taken into custody and detained at Nyeri Central Police Station before being transferred to the EACC Central Regional Office for processing ahead of their planned arraignment in court.
The Commission did not indicate the specific criminal charges they are expected to face but said investigations are continuing.
Fight against corruption in the Judiciary
The latest arrests come as the EACC continues intensifying efforts to combat bribery within public institutions, including the justice sector.
Over the years, the anti-graft agency has carried out several operations targeting judicial officers, court staff, police officers and other public servants accused of demanding bribes in exchange for public services.
The Judiciary has repeatedly maintained that corruption has no place within the administration of justice and has encouraged members of the public to report any judicial officers or court staff suspected of soliciting bribes through the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), the Office of the Judiciary Ombudsman, or law enforcement agencies.
In recent years, the Judiciary has also rolled out digital systems such as e-filing, strengthened internal oversight mechanisms and enhanced disciplinary processes aimed at improving transparency and reducing opportunities for corruption within the courts.
EACC reiterates commitment
Following the arrests, the Commission reaffirmed its commitment to tackling corruption at service delivery points across the country.
“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 Commission urged Kenyans to continue reporting suspected cases of bribery and abuse of office, saying public cooperation remains critical in the fight against corruption.
If charged, the two suspects will have an opportunity to respond to the allegations before the court, where the prosecution will be required to prove its case.