The Milimani Anti-Corruption Court has issued a summons for Senior Principal Magistrate Martin Kinyua Mutegi of Kangema Law Courts to appear on July 30, 2026, for plea-taking in a bribery case.

The summons follow a request by the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) after Magistrate Kinyua failed to attend the initial court session. His legal counsel cited illness as the reason for his absence.

Chief Magistrate Harrison Barasa granted the prosecution's request on July 28, 2026, ordering Magistrate Kinyua to appear at 9 a.m. on July 30 for plea and further directions.

Details of the Charges

  • Magistrate Kinyua faces charges under the Anti-Bribery Act No. 47 of 2016, specifically section 6(1)(a) read with sections 18(1) and (2).
  • Between July 16 and July 21, 2026, while in Kangema township, Murang’a County, he allegedly solicited Ksh170,000 from Peter Njihia Njuguna via probation officer Kandara Julius Irungu Njogu.
  • The money was purportedly requested to influence the magistrate to pass a favourable sentence in a criminal case involving Njihia.
  • Additionally, Kinyua is accused of receiving Ksh150,000 on July 21, 2026, from Njihia through the same probation officer for the same purpose.