ODPP Approves Bribery Charges Against Kangema Magistrate After EACC Sting Operation
Kangema Senior Principal Magistrate Martin Kinyua Mutegi is facing criminal charges after prosecutors approved his immediate arraignment over allegations that he solicited and received a bribe in connection with a criminal case.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has approved bribery charges against Senior Principal Magistrate Martin Kinyua Mutegi and Principal Probation Officer Julius Irungu Njogu, following an investigation by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
The development comes days after the two judicial officers were arrested in an EACC sting operation in Kangema, Murang’a County.
According to the anti-graft agency, the arrests followed a complaint by a businessman who had been convicted on July 2, 2026, in a case involving obtaining money by false pretences. He was due to be sentenced on July 22.
Investigators allege that Njogu approached the businessman and claimed to be acting on behalf of the magistrate before demanding KSh170,000.
The money was allegedly sought in exchange for assistance in securing a favourable probation recommendation that could pave the way for a non-custodial sentence rather than imprisonment.
EACC subsequently mounted an undercover operation. The agency said Mutegi and Njogu were arrested on July 21 while allegedly receiving KSh150,000 from the complainant.
EACC Central Regional Director Japheth Baithalu said the operation was part of a broader investigation into alleged interference with the administration of justice.
“Justice cannot be for sale. Justice is priceless,” Baithalu said, warning court officials against compromising the judicial process.
The case has since moved from the investigative stage towards prosecution, with the ODPP directing that the suspects be charged with receiving a bribe, contrary to Section 6(1), as read with Section 18(1) of Kenya’s Anti-Bribery Act.
The prosecution decision places the allegations before the courts, where the evidence against the two suspects will be tested through due process.
Magistrate relieved of judicial duties
The bribery allegations have also triggered immediate administrative action within the Judiciary.
Chief Justice Martha Koome confirmed that Mutegi had been relieved of his judicial duties while the criminal investigation and disciplinary process proceed.
Koome described the allegations as serious, saying that, if proved, they would amount to a violation of the law, the Judicial Code of Conduct and Ethics, and the principles underpinning the administration of justice.
The Judiciary has also pledged to cooperate fully with EACC and other investigative and prosecutorial agencies handling the case.
The Chief Justice stressed that judicial officers have a heightened responsibility to uphold the law and maintain public confidence in the justice system.
The case has therefore placed fresh scrutiny on the integrity of Kenya’s courts, particularly allegations that money may have been sought to influence judicial outcomes.
For now, Mutegi and Njogu remain suspects facing allegations, not convicted offenders. The prosecution will be required to prove its case in court, while the two retain their right to due process and the presumption of innocence.
Also Read: ‘How Do You Deal With a Spirit?’ Manyora’s Warning Over Sifuna’s Growing Political Power