By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Kenya, 22 July 2026 - Chief Justice Martha Koome has suspended a Senior Principal Magistrate at Kangema Law Courts after his arrest over allegations of soliciting and receiving a bribe to influence the outcome of a criminal case.
The decision follows the arrest of Martin Kinyua Mutegi and Principal Probation Officer Julius Irungu Njogu by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) in an operation conducted on Tuesday.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Koome said the magistrate had been relieved of his judicial duties with immediate effect as investigations and disciplinary proceedings continue.
"Pending the conclusion of those processes, the judicial officer will be relieved of judicial duties in accordance with the law and established procedures, without prejudice to the ongoing criminal investigations by the relevant constitutional agencies," she said.
The Chief Justice said the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) had also initiated disciplinary proceedings under the Judicial Service Act and the Judiciary's human resource policies.
Reaffirming the Judiciary's zero-tolerance stance on corruption, Koome said judicial officers must uphold the highest standards of integrity.
"Judges, Judicial Officers and members of staff cannot discharge justice with one hand and commit a crime with the other. Those entrusted with the administration of justice bear an even greater responsibility to uphold the law and exemplify the integrity they require of others," she said.
She added that while every accused person is entitled to due process, the Judiciary would not protect officers accused of criminal or unethical conduct.
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According to the EACC, the magistrate and the probation officer are accused of demanding Sh170,000 from a businessman in exchange for securing a favourable probation report that would result in a non-custodial sentence.
Investigators said the complainant had been convicted on July 2 in a criminal case involving obtaining money by false pretences and was awaiting sentencing.
The anti-graft agency said the two suspects were arrested while allegedly receiving Sh150,000 from the complainant at a restaurant in Kangema Township.
They are being held at Nyeri Central Police Station pending processing and arraignment.
Koome said the Judiciary would fully cooperate with the EACC and other investigative agencies, warning that any conduct that erodes public confidence in the justice system strikes at the heart of the institution.
"While every person against whom allegations are made remains entitled to due process, the Judiciary will not shield or condone criminal or unethical conduct by any person serving within its ranks," she said.