Four individuals are currently in police custody in Nairobi after investigators from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission moved in to arrest them over an alleged bribery scheme connected to a commercial dispute before the High Court of Kenya.
Among those arrested are former High Court judge Joseph Mutava and advocate Kimani Wachira.
According to officials at the anti-graft agency, the arrests were made on Monday after weeks of investigations into claims that the suspects demanded a bribe of 80,000 US dollars, which is roughly Sh10.4 million.
Investigators believe the money was meant to influence the outcome of a commercial case that is currently pending before the High Court.
The commission stated that the case at the center of the allegations involves a dispute connected to a former Cabinet minister. However, authorities have not publicly disclosed further details about the specific commercial matter while investigations continue.
Following their arrest, Mutava, Wachira and two other suspects were taken to the Integrity Centre Police Station in Nairobi, where they remained in custody as investigators completed documentation and prepared charges.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission indicated that the suspects are expected to be arraigned in court on Tuesday.
Officials said the arrests came after increasing public and media questions about the case. The agency noted that it had received several inquiries regarding the alleged bribery attempt, which prompted closer scrutiny and further investigation.
The commission emphasized that the probe is still ongoing and that more details could emerge as investigators continue to examine evidence and statements from those involved.
Authorities have also indicated that additional action may be taken if further wrongdoing is uncovered during the process.
In its statement, the anti-graft agency reaffirmed its role in protecting public institutions from corruption.
The commission said it remains committed to ensuring accountability and maintaining the integrity of the judiciary. It added that any individuals found responsible for corruption or abuse of office would face legal consequences under Kenyan law.
The arrest of Mutava has drawn particular attention because of his previous history in the judiciary. In 2016, he was removed from office after a tribunal found him guilty of gross misconduct and corruption.
The decision to remove him from the bench was later upheld by the Supreme Court of Kenya.
The tribunal that investigated his conduct was chaired by former Chief Justice David Maraga. During its hearings, the panel examined several cases handled by Mutava while he served as a High Court judge.
Among the matters reviewed was a dispute involving businessman Kamlesh Pattni, which the tribunal said had been handled improperly.
Authorities now say the latest allegations will be handled through the legal process as investigators complete their work and the suspects appear in court.
The case is expected to draw significant public attention as it touches on concerns about corruption and integrity within the justice system.
