A Senior Principal Magistrate and a Principal Probation Officer attached to Kangema Law Courts have been arrested by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) over allegations of soliciting and receiving a bribe from a litigant in an ongoing criminal case.
The suspects, identified as Martin Kinyua, a magistrate, and Julius Irungu, a probation officer, were arrested on Tuesday during an operation conducted by EACC officers at a restaurant in Kangema Township, Murang’a County.
According to the Commission, the two were allegedly caught receiving Ksh150,000 from the complainant.
Businessman Reported Alleged Bribery Demand
The EACC said the arrest followed a complaint by a Murang’a-based businessman who had been convicted in a criminal case involving obtaining money by false pretence.
The businessman reportedly approached the anti-graft agency after he was allegedly asked to pay a bribe before his sentencing, which had been scheduled for Wednesday, July 22.
The complaint prompted the Commission to launch investigations into the alleged bribery scheme.
EACC Says Ksh170,000 Was Demanded
According to preliminary investigations, the Commission alleges that the probation officer acted as an intermediary for the magistrate.
Investigators claim the probation officer demanded Ksh170,000 from the businessman in exchange for a favourable probation report that would influence the court to impose a non-custodial sentence instead of a jail term.
The EACC says the suspects were arrested after they allegedly accepted Ksh150,000 during the sting operation.
Suspects Held in Nyeri
Following the arrest, Martin Kinyua and Julius Irungu were taken to Nyeri Central Police Station, where they remain in custody.
The two are expected to undergo processing at the EACC Central Regional Office as investigations continue.
The Commission has not disclosed when they are expected to be arraigned in court.
EACC Reaffirms Fight Against Corruption
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission reiterated its commitment to combating bribery within public institutions, particularly at service delivery points.
The Commission said tackling corruption in the justice system remains a priority to safeguard public confidence and ensure fair administration of justice.
Investigations into the matter are ongoing.