Bribery Scandal: EACC Probes Chief Magistrate, Seizes Ksh2M in Cash
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has launched investigations into allegations of bribery involving a Chief Magistrate, following numerous complaints from the public.
EACC Chairperson Abdi Mohamud confirmed the probe, stating that the magistrate is accused of demanding and receiving bribes from accused persons in criminal cases before her court.
“EACC wishes to confirm that it is conducting investigations against the Chief Magistrate (working station name withheld) following numerous complaints alleging that she demands and receives bribes from accused persons in criminal matters before her,” Mohamud stated.
According to the EACC, reports indicate that the magistrate allegedly received illicit payments through a court clerk. “It is alleged that on diverse dates, the Chief Magistrate received various amounts of money through a clerk in her court, suspected to have been solicited from accused persons,” the commission revealed.
Following these claims, the anti-graft agency obtained search warrants and raided the homes of both the magistrate and the clerk. During the operation, EACC detectives recovered Ksh2.07 million in cash, believed to be proceeds of corruption.
“Today, Thursday, March 13, 2025, 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 EACC stated.
“A total of Ksh2,070,000 in cash, suspected to be proceeds of corruption, was recovered inside a laptop bag at the residence of the Chief Magistrate, along with various documents relevant to the investigations.”
Both suspects were taken to EACC headquarters for questioning, with the commission set to forward its findings to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
This probe comes amid intensified scrutiny of judicial officers, following concerns raised by Chief Justice Martha Koome in January. EACC Chairperson David Oginde previously disclosed that Koome had called for investigations into alleged corruption within the judiciary.
“We had a meeting with the Chief Justice. In that meeting, she raised the concern that she is receiving reports that some of her officers are taking bribes and therefore subverting justice. And so, on her own initiative, she called upon us to help her in this area,” Oginde stated.
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Bribery Scandal: EACC Probes Chief Magistrate, Seizes Ksh2M in Cash
