THIKA, Kenya – The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has launched an investigation into Thika Law Courts Chief Magistrate Stellah Atambo over allegations of bribery.
The anti-graft agency said it had received multiple complaints accusing Atambo of soliciting and accepting bribes from accused persons in criminal cases.
Acting on this information, EACC officers raided her residence, where they recovered Ksh.2.07 million in cash inside a laptop bag.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the EACC confirmed that it had obtained search warrants before conducting the operation, which also targeted the residence of a court clerk linked to the investigation.
Officials seized various documents believed to be relevant to the case.
“The Commission, upon obtaining search warrants, conducted searches at the residences of the Chief Magistrate and the Clerk to obtain relevant documents and information to support the investigations,” the statement read in part. “A total of Ksh.2,070,000 in cash, suspected to be proceeds of corruption, was recovered inside a laptop bag at the residence of Hon. Atambo.”
INVESTIGATIONS INTO ALLEGATIONS OF BRIBERY AGAINST HON. STELLAH BONARERI NYABOKE ATAMBO, THE CHIEF MAGISTRATE THIKA LAW COURTS
Following the raid, the magistrate was taken to EACC headquarters for questioning.
The agency has not disclosed whether any formal charges will be filed against her, stating only that investigations are ongoing.
