DPP approves bribery charges against Kangema magistrate, probation officer over Sh150,000 bribe

The magistrate was arrested alongside a Probation Officer over allegations of soliciting and receiving a Sh170,000 bribe to help secure a non-custodial sentence through a favourable probation recommendation rather than a custodial sentence. (Handout)

By Lucy Mumbi
Tuesday, July 28, 2026

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Koome condemned the alleged conduct by the judicial officers, saying the allegations were serious and could amount to a violation of the law, the Judicial Code of Conduct and Ethics, and the values that guide the administration of justice.

“The Judiciary and Judicial Service Commission have commenced the appropriate administrative and disciplinary processes under the Judicial Service Act and the applicable Human Resource policies,” Koome said.

“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.”

According to the EACC, the arrests followed a complaint by a Murang’a businessman who had been convicted on July 2, 2026, in a criminal case involving obtaining money by false pretences and was scheduled to be sentenced on July 22.

The Commission said the businessman was allegedly approached by the probation officer, who claimed to be acting on behalf of the magistrate and demanded Sh170,000 in exchange for a favourable outcome.

Investigations established that the probation officer allegedly assured the complainant that the money would secure a favourable probation report and help him avoid a custodial sentence.

Following the complaint, EACC officers mounted an operation that led to the arrest of the two officers at a restaurant in Kangema Township, where they were allegedly receiving Sh150,000 from the complainant.

The DPP said the office remains committed to upholding the rule of law, protecting public interest, promoting fair administration of justice and ensuring accountability where criminal conduct is established through investigations.