The suspects, identified as Martin Kinyua, a Magistrate and Julius Irungu, a Probation Officer, were apprehended at a restaurant within Kangema Township on Tuesday during an operation mounted by EACC officials. EACC alleges that the two were caught red-handed receiving Ksh.150,000 from the complainant.
According to the EACC, the two were arrested after they made an attempt to solicit a bribe from a businessman based in Murang’a who had been convicted in a criminal case for obtaining money by false pretence.
After being approached, the businessman lodged a complaint to the Commission before his sentencing date set for July 22, initiating an investigation.
The Commission reports that preliminary investigations revealed that the probation officer, acting on behalf of the Magistrate, demanded Ksh.170,000 from the complainant to secure a non-custodial sentence through a favourable probation recommendation rather than a custodial sentence.
The suspects are currently in custody at the Nyeri Central Police Station awaiting processing at the EACC Central Regional Office.
The Commission has affirmed its commitment to eradicating cases of bribery at service delivery points to enhance the quality of public services for Kenyans.
