The Kenya Magistrates and Judges Association (KMJA) has accused the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) of employing intimidation tactics in its investigation of Thika Chief Magistrate Stellah Atambo.
The EACC initiated a probe following multiple complaints alleging that Magistrate Atambo solicited and received bribes from accused individuals in criminal cases before her court.
On March 13, 2025, EACC officers, armed with search warrants, conducted a raid at Magistrate Atambo’s residence, recovering Ksh.2,070,000 in cash concealed inside a laptop bag. The commission suspects that the money is linked to the alleged bribery scheme.
In response, Magistrate Atambo has denied the allegations, dismissing the EACC’s statement linking her to bribery and illicit financial dealings.
She has called for the return of the seized Ksh.2 million, asserting that the funds are legitimate and unrelated to any corrupt activities.
The KMJA has criticized the EACC’s approach, alleging that the commission’s actions amount to intimidation of judicial officers.
The association argues that such tactics undermine the independence of the judiciary and could set a concerning precedent for future cases.
The case has also seen procedural complications. Magistrate Charles Ondieki, who issued the search warrants for Magistrate Atambo’s residence, recused himself from the matter upon realizing that Atambo is a personal friend of over 17 years.
He noted that the EACC’s use of initials and identification numbers in the warrant application prevented him from identifying the subject of the search, highlighting concerns about transparency in the commission’s procedures.
As the investigation unfolds, the judiciary and anti-corruption bodies are under scrutiny to uphold due process and maintain public trust in their respective institutions.
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