By Anchor Writer
The Ex- Judge Joseph Mbalu Mutava, Lawyer Kimani Wachira, Kitui politician Kennedy Ngumbau and Tom Awili released on Kes 200,000 bond each in Alleged KSh10.4 Million Bribery Scheme
Former High Court judge Joseph Mutava arrested last night in a sting operation by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) over allegations that he participated in a scheme to solicit a multi-million shilling bribe to influence a court case.
In a statement released following increasing media inquiries, the EACC confirmed that Mutava was arrested on Monday, March 9, 2026, alongside advocate Kimani Wachira, City Auctioneer and Kitui politician Dr. Kennedy Ngambau Mulwa, and Tom Awili.
The four suspects are under investigation for allegedly demanding USD 80,000 (approximately KSh10.4 million) from a litigant to influence the outcome of a commercial dispute currently pending before the High Court.
Investigators say the matter involves former Cabinet Minister Raphael Tuju, who is a party to the dispute.“The arrests relate to ongoing investigations where the suspects allegedly demanded USD 80,000 to influence the outcome of a commercial dispute currently pending before the High Court,” the Commission said.
The suspects were initially detained at the EACC Integrity Centre Police Station as investigators processed the case.
However, the anti-graft agency later confirmed that the four had been released on a cash bail of KSh200,000 each pending completion of investigations.
EACC said it will forward the outcome of the investigations to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for review and possible criminal charges.
Mutava previously served as a High Court judge before being removed from office following a tribunal process that found him unsuitable to continue serving on the bench, after a series of corruption and misconduct cases.
Some of the claims raised during the inquiry touched on matters involving controversial businessman Kamlesh Pattni, who has long been linked to high-profile corruption scandals in Kenya.
The latest arrest is likely to renew scrutiny over integrity concerns within the justice system, particularly regarding attempts to influence court processes in high-value commercial disputes.
EACC said investigations into the alleged bribery scheme are ongoing.
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