Senior Principal Magistrate Martin Kinyua Mutegi of Kangema Law Court has been relieved of his duties following his arrest on allegations of soliciting and receiving a KSh 170,000 bribe from a litigant.

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) initiated disciplinary proceedings under the Judicial Service Act after Mutegi was detained alongside a probation officer suspected of conspiring to secure a favorable probation recommendation.

Chief Justice Martha Koome emphasized that the allegations constitute a serious breach of judicial ethics and warned judicial officers against compromising integrity.The case highlights ongoing public concerns about corruption within Kenya's judiciary, which has prompted legal boycotts and increased scrutiny.The JSC confirmed it will proceed with administrative actions without prejudicing criminal investigations by relevant agencies.This incident underscores the judiciary's commitment to upholding accountability while balancing due process for all parties involved.