DPP Directs Immediate Prosecution of Magistrate and Probation Officer Over Alleged Bribery

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has directed the immediate prosecution of a Senior Principal Magistrate and a Senior Probation Officer over alleged bribery following investigations by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).

In a statement issued on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) said it had reviewed an inquiry file submitted by the EACC concerning bribery allegations against Martin Kinyua Mutegi, a Senior Principal Magistrate at Kangema Law Courts, and Julius Irungu Njogu, a Senior Probation Officer based at Kangema.

“Upon an independent and thorough review of the inquiry file, the DPP has established that there is sufficient evidence to charge the two suspects with the offence of Receiving a Bribe, contrary to Section 6(1) as read with Section 18(1) of the Anti-Bribery Act,” read part of the statement.

DPP Orders Immediate Charges of Court Officials

At the same time, the DPP directed that the two suspects be taken to court and charged without delay.

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

The prosecution office said it remains committed to upholding the law, protecting the public interest, ensuring fair justice, and holding individuals accountable where investigations establish criminal conduct.

EACC Arrests and Judiciary Response

The prosecution of the two court officials follows their arrest by the EACC on July 21, 2026, during an operation conducted at a restaurant in Kangema Township.

According to the commission, the arrests stemmed from a complaint by a Murang’a businessman who alleged that he had been asked to pay a bribe to secure a favourable probation report and avoid a custodial sentence after being convicted in a criminal case.

Also Read: Architects Slam ODPP Over Manzil Towers Charges, Demand Immediate Review

The EACC said preliminary investigations established that the probation officer allegedly approached the complainant, claiming to be acting on behalf of the magistrate, and demanded Ksh170,000. The commission said the operation culminated in the arrest of the two suspects while allegedly receiving Ksh150,000 from the complainant.

Following the arrests, Chief Justice Martha Koome described the allegations as grave and reiterated the Judiciary’s zero-tolerance policy on corruption and unethical conduct.

She announced that the Judiciary and the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) had commenced administrative and disciplinary proceedings, adding that the magistrate would be relieved of judicial duties pending the outcome of the processes.

Koome also affirmed that the Judiciary would fully cooperate with the EACC and other investigative and prosecutorial agencies while stressing that the suspects are entitled to due process.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for instant news updates

A collage photo of Martin Kinyua Mutegi, a Senior Principal Magistrate at Kangema Law Courts, and Julius Irungu Njogu, a Principal Probation Officer, receiving a bribe. PHOTO/EACC