NAIROBI, Kenya – Suspended Kangema Senior Principal Magistrate Martin Kinyua Mutegi has denied allegations that he solicited and received a Sh150,000 bribe to influence the sentencing of a convicted businessman.
Mutegi appeared before Milimani Anti-Corruption Chief Magistrate Harrison Barasa on Monday, August 24, 2026, where he pleaded not guilty to two corruption charges arising from the alleged bribery scheme.
Magistrate accused of seeking Sh170,000
According to the prosecution, the money was allegedly intended to influence the sentence in a criminal case before Mutegi and secure a favourable outcome for a convicted businessman, including helping him avoid a custodial sentence.
Mutegi is specifically accused of receiving Sh150,000 on July 21 through Njogu as part of the alleged arrangement.
The alleged offences occurred in Kangema Township, Murang’a County.
Court rejects bid to delay plea
Mutegi’s plea was taken after Chief Magistrate Barasa rejected an application by his lawyers seeking to defer the proceedings.
The defence had argued that plea-taking should be postponed pending determination of a separate constitutional petition challenging Mutegi’s prosecution.
However, Barasa ruled that there was no court order preventing the Anti-Corruption Court from proceeding with the matter.
The magistrate subsequently released Mutegi on Sh400,000 cash bail or an alternative Sh800,000 bond.
He was also directed not to directly or indirectly interfere with prosecution witnesses.
EACC sting operation
The case arose from a complaint lodged by the businessman, who told investigators that Njogu had approached him while allegedly claiming to be acting on Mutegi’s behalf.
Njogu allegedly demanded Sh170,000 and indicated that the money would help secure a favourable probation report and sentence.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) subsequently mounted a sting operation.
Mutegi and Njogu were arrested at a restaurant in Kangema Township on July 21 after the alleged receipt of Sh150,000.
Njogu had earlier denied two counts of receiving a bribe and was released on similar terms of Sh400,000 cash bail or an alternative Sh800,000 bond.
Mutegi suspended by Judiciary
The bribery allegations also triggered disciplinary proceedings within the Judiciary.
Chief Justice Martha Koome, acting in her capacity as chairperson of the Judicial Service Commission, suspended Mutegi on July 22 and commenced disciplinary proceedings against him under the Judicial Service Act.
The criminal proceedings will now proceed alongside the disciplinary process.
Mutegi’s case will return to court on September 7, 2026, for pre-trial directions.
