Kangema Principal Magistrate relieved from duty pending probe on graft allegations

Kinyua was arrested by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) alongside Probation Officer Julius Irungu for allegedly receiving Ksh.150,000 from the complainant in a matter pending before the court.

Chief Justice Martha Koome, in a statement on Wednesday, said that the Judiciary strictly upholds a policy of zero tolerance to corruption and unethical conduct, and disciplinary processes have commenced.

"While every person against whom allegations are made remains entitled to due process, the Judiciary will not shield or condone criminal or unethical conduct by any person serving within its ranks," said CJ Koome.

"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."

Likewise, she said that the EACC, together with all investigative agencies, will be accorded necessary cooperation in undertaking the probe.

She asserted that the Judiciary abhors leadership that undermines the integrity of the justice system and will not shield any unethical conduct in office.

"Those entrusted with the administration of justice bear an even greater responsibility to uphold the law and exemplify the integrity they require of others," she said.

EACC said that Irungu approached the 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.

The suspects were arrested on July 21 and are currently in custody at the Nyeri Central Police Station awaiting processing at the EACC Central Regional Office.