The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has officially launched investigations into bribery allegations leveled against Justice Fred Nyagaka.
In a statement issued on Monday, September 22, JSC Secretary Winfridah Mokaya noted that the commission had taken note of the allegations and has since kicked off investigations.
“The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has noted allegations of bribery against a Judge that have been circulating on social media. In this regard, the Commission has commenced investigations into the matter and reaffirms its unwavering commitment to uphold integrity and ensure accountability within the Judiciary, in full adherence to the rule of law,” the statement read.
Judicial Service Commission Probes Justice Fred Nyagaka on Bribery Claims. Photo: Courtesy.
The JSC went on to assure the public that it would continue to provide updates on the matter as appropriate.
Justice Fred Nyagaka has been accused of pocketing Ksh10 million from a party who expected a favorable judgment, only for him to render a decision that went against the terms of the alleged bribe.
On Saturday, September 20, lawyer Nelson Havi made public a letter authored by the complainant, Ben Limo, demanding that the judge refund the money.
Ben Limo explained that he had exercised patience in seeking to resolve the matter privately, but his efforts did not succeed.
He went on to accuse Justice Fred Nyagaka of unjustly withholding the Ksh10 million, describing the move as both unacceptable and unfair.
Limo consequently issued a final demand for a refund within seven days, warning that he would take public legal action if the matter remained unresolved.
The matter drew wider attention after Standard Media Group journalist Collins Kweyu, who had been investigating the case, was arrested in Migori County and taken to Nairobi’s Central Police Station.
He was later released on a free bond and directed to report to the Migori County Criminal Investigation offices next week, where the complaint originated.
