NAIROBI, Kenya — The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has approved criminal charges against a Senior Principal Magistrate and a Principal Probation Officer over allegations that they solicited and received a bribe in exchange for influencing the sentencing of a convicted person in a criminal case before the Kangema Law Courts.
In a statement issued on Monday, the ODPP said it had independently reviewed an inquiry file submitted by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and found sufficient evidence to institute criminal proceedings against the two suspects.
According to the prosecution, the suspects will face charges of receiving a bribe contrary to Section 6(1)(a), read together with Sections 18(1) and 18(2) of the Anti-Bribery Act, No. 47 of 2016.
“Upon an independent and thorough review of the inquiry file, the DPP has established that there is sufficient evidence to charge the two suspects with the offence of Receiving a Bribe,” the ODPP said.
The Director of Public Prosecutions directed that the two be arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction without delay.
Alleged Bribery Scheme
According to the charge sheet, the alleged offences relate to a criminal case before the Kangema Chief Magistrate’s Court involving a businessman who had already been convicted.
The ODPP further alleges that between July 16 and July 21, 2026, the magistrate also requested the same amount through the businessman with the understanding that he would impose a lenient sentence in the criminal matter.
In a separate count, prosecutors allege that on July 21, 2026, the magistrate received Sh150,000 as part of the alleged bribery arrangement linked to the sentencing.
EACC Investigation
The case follows investigations conducted by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, which forwarded its inquiry file to the ODPP for legal review and a decision on prosecution.
The prosecution said its decision to approve the charges was based on an independent assessment of the available evidence and the constitutional threshold required before criminal proceedings can be instituted.
Commitment to Accountability
The ODPP reiterated its commitment to combating corruption and ensuring accountability within public institutions, including the Judiciary.
“The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions remains committed to upholding the rule of law, safeguarding public interest, promoting fair administration of justice, and ensuring accountability where criminal conduct is established through investigations,” the statement said.
The two suspects are expected to appear before the Anti-Corruption Court to answer to the charges, where they will have an opportunity to enter their pleas.
