Former judge Joseph Mutava and three other suspects have been granted cash bail of KSh 200,000 each pending investigations over alleged bribery claims after their arrest by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
Speaking to Channel 15 News, the EACC Head of Corporate Communications Stephen Karuga confirmed that the arrests were carried out on Monday, March 9, 2026, following investigations into an alleged KSh 10.4 million bribery scheme aimed at influencing the outcome of a case currently before the High Court of Kenya.
According to the anti-graft agency, Mutava was arrested alongside auctioneer Kennedy Ngambau, advocate Kimani Wachira and Tom Awili.
EACC investigators allege that the suspects demanded USD 80,000 (approximately KSh 10.4 million) from a party involved in a commercial dispute linked to a former Cabinet Minister, promising to influence the outcome of the case currently pending before the High Court.
The four suspects were detained at the Integrity Centre Police Station in Nairobi as detectives began reviewing evidence and recording statements in relation to the alleged bribery plot.
Karuga confirmed that the suspects were released on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, after each posted cash bail of KSh 200,000, as investigations continue.
The anti-corruption watchdog said investigators are currently reviewing documentary evidence and recording witness statements to establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged bribery scheme.
Upon completion of the investigations, the case file will be forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for review and consideration of possible criminal charges.
The arrest of a former High Court judge and a prominent auctioneer has sparked renewed debate over integrity within Kenya’s justice system as authorities intensify the fight against corruption.
