The Judiciary has suspended Kangema Senior Principal Magistrate Martin Kinyua Mutegi from judicial duties following his arrest over alleged bribery.

In a statement dated Wednesday 22^nd July, Chief Justice Martha Koome said the allegations against the magistrate and a probation officer are serious and, if proven, amount to a violation of the law, the Judicial Code of Conduct and Ethics, and the principles that guide the administration of justice.

“The Judiciary has consistently maintained a policy of zero tolerance to corruption and all forms of unethical conduct,” Martha Koome said.

She reiterated that judicial officers are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity and that the Judiciary will not protect anyone accused of criminal or unethical conduct.

“I have consistently stated that judges, judicial officers and members of staff cannot discharge justice with one hand and commit a crime with the other,” she stated.

Koome confirmed that the Judiciary and the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) have begun disciplinary and administrative proceedings against the magistrate.

Pending the outcome of the process, he will remain relieved of his judicial duties without affecting the ongoing criminal investigations.

She also assured Kenyans that the Judiciary will cooperate fully with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and other investigative agencies.

“We will continue to act firmly, fairly, and decisively against any judicial officer or member of staff whose conduct falls short of the high ethical standards expected of those entrusted with the administration of justice,” the statement concluded.