The Director of Public Prosecutions has formally charged Julius Irungu Njogu, a senior probation officer, with bribery at Milimani Anti-Corruption Court.
Njogu, who serves as the principal probation officer in Kangema, Murang'a County, appeared in court on July 28, 2026. He faces allegations of soliciting KSh 170,000 from a member of the public, Peter Njihia Njuguna, purportedly to influence a magistrate’s ruling in a criminal case.
Details of the Allegations
According to the charge sheet, Njogu requested the money on behalf of Senior Principal Magistrate Martin Kinyua Mutegi. The bribe was allegedly sought to secure a favourable sentence in a case at the Kangema Chief Magistrate's Court, specifically criminal case number E645 of 2024.
The charge states:
"On July 16, 2026, at Kangema law courts, you requested a financial advantage of KSh 170,000 from Peter Njihia Njuguna on behalf of Martin Kinyua Mutegi, in exchange for Mutegi delivering a favourable sentence in the said criminal case."
Court Proceedings and Bail
Njogu pleaded not guilty to the charges. The court granted him bail set at KSh 400,000 cash or an alternative bond of KSh 800,000.
His co-accused, Magistrate Martin Kinyua Mutegi, did not appear in court citing illness through his lawyer. The court accepted this and scheduled his plea-taking for July 30, 2026.
Background
- Both Njogu and Mutegi were arrested by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission on July 16, 2026.
- The case is being prosecuted under the Anti-Bribery Act, specifically Sections 6(1)(a), 18(1), and 18(2).
