EACC Arrests Senior Magistrate & Probation Officer Over Alleged Ksh 170,000 Bribe

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested a Senior Principal Magistrate attached to Kangema Law Courts and a Principal Probation Officer over alleged bribery. Investigators accuse the two officials of soliciting and receiving money from a litigant.

They allegedly promised to influence the outcome of a criminal case in exchange for cash.

The suspects, Hon. Martin Kinyua Mutegi, a Senior Principal Magistrate at Kangema Law Courts, and Julius Irungu Njogu, a Principal Probation Officer, were arrested on July 21, 2026. The arrests followed an operation mounted by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) at a restaurant in Kangema Township.

EACC Operation Leads to Arrest

According to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), the investigation began after a businessman from Murang’a County lodged a complaint.

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The complainant had been convicted on July 2, 2026, in a criminal case involving obtaining money by false pretenses. He was expected to appear for sentencing on July 22, 2026.

However, preliminary investigations revealed an alleged bribery scheme before the sentencing date.

Investigators established that Julius Irungu Njogu, the Principal Probation Officer, allegedly approached the complainant. He reportedly claimed to act on behalf of Hon. Martin Kinyua Mutegi, the Senior Principal Magistrate.

Furthermore, investigators say the probation officer demanded KSh170,000 from the businessman.

In return, he allegedly promised a favorable probation recommendation. Consequently, the complainant would receive a non-custodial sentence instead of a custodial sentence.

The businessman later reported the matter to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). As a result, detectives organized a covert operation to verify the allegations and apprehend the suspects.

Suspects Arrest While Receiving Money

The operation culminated in the arrest of the two suspects while allegedly receiving KSh150,000 from the complaint. The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) says officers arrested the suspects at a restaurant within Kangema Township during the sting operation.

Also Read: Suspect Held for Posing as EACC Investigator and Demanding Ksh 2 Million Bribe

Following the arrests, authorities placed the two suspects in custody at Nyeri Central Police Station. Additionally, investigators confirmed they would process the suspects at the EACC Central Regional Office before taking further legal action.

Meanwhile, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) reaffirmed its commitment to fighting corruption across public institutions. The Commission emphasized that bribery undermines justice and public confidence in government services.

Moreover, EACC pledged to intensify operations targeting corruption at service delivery points nationwide. The Commission also encouraged members of the public to report suspected corruption through the appropriate reporting channels.

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) stated that accountability remains essential in strengthening public trust and improving service delivery for all citizens.
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A photo of Martin Kinyua Mutegi, a Senior Principal Magistrate at Kangema Law Courts, and Julius Irungu Njogu, a Principal Probation Officer receiving bribe