The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has authorized bribery charges against Senior Principal Magistrate Martin Kinyua Mutegi and Senior Probation Officer Julius Irungu Njogu following allegations of corruption at Kangema Law Courts.
According to the Office of the DPP, an inquiry by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) revealed that the two officers were caught receiving a Sh150,000 bribe from a complainant. The case file showed sufficient evidence to prosecute both officials under the Anti-Bribery Act.
Details of the Allegations
- The accused were arrested during an EACC operation in Kangema last week after allegedly accepting the bribe.
- The complainant, a Murang’a businessman convicted of obtaining money by false pretences, was scheduled for sentencing and was approached by the probation officer demanding Sh170,000 for a favourable outcome.
- The probation officer purportedly assured the businessman that the bribe would secure a positive probation report, helping him avoid imprisonment.
Judicial Response and Next Steps
- Chief Justice Martha Koome has suspended Magistrate Mutegi pending the outcome of administrative and disciplinary proceedings.
- The Judiciary and Judicial Service Commission have initiated disciplinary processes under the Judicial Service Act.
- The DPP has directed immediate charging of the two suspects in a competent court.
The DPP reaffirmed commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability where criminal conduct is confirmed.
