DPP approves bribery charges against Kangema magistrate, probation officer

In a statement on Tuesday, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) said an inquiry file detailing bribery charges against the duo was submitted by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) for review.

Upon inquiry, the DPP says it established there is sufficient evidence linking the suspects to soliciting a bribe, directing that they be charged in court.

Preliminary report by the EACC indicated that Irungu approached a complainant, claiming to act on behalf of Kinyua, and demanded Ksh.170,000, assuring him that the money would secure a non-custodial sentence through a favourable probation recommendation rather than a custodial sentence.

The complainant, a businessman from Murang'a County, had been convicted on July 2, 2026, in a criminal case for obtaining money by false pretences and was scheduled to be sentenced on July 22, 2026.

Irungu and Kinyua were apprehended on July 21 at a restaurant within Kangema Township during an operation, as EACC alleged they were caught red-handed receiving Ksh.150,000 from the complainant.

Meanwhile, Chief Justice Martha Koome directed that Kinyua be relieved of his judicial duties pending investigation.

She maintained that the Judiciary strictly upholds a policy of zero tolerance to corruption and unethical conduct, and disciplinary processes have commenced.

"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 in a statement.

They are set to appear before the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court on charges of conspiracy to commit an offence of corruption and receiving a bribe.