The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has launched an investigation into Chief Magistrate Stellah Bonareri Nyaboke Atambo of the Thika Law Courts over allegations of bribery.
In a statement on Thursday, March 13, the EACC said the magistrate is accused of demanding and accepting bribes from accused individuals in criminal cases before her court.
"EACC wishes to confirm that it is conducting investigations against Hon. Stellah Atambo, Chief Magistrate, Thika Law Courts following numerous complaints alleging that she demands and receives bribes from accused persons in criminal matters before her," the statement read.
EACC highlighted instances where the magistrate allegedly received a bribe through Patrick Njeri Muriithi, a clerk in her court.
"It is alleged that on diverse dates, the Chief Magistrate received various amounts of money through Patrick Njeri Murlithi, a Clerk in her court, which is suspected to have been solicited from accused persons," the statement added.
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EACC said its officers raided the residences of both the magistrate and the court clerk and recovered Ksh2 million in cash suspected to be proceeds of corruption.
"Today, Thursday, March 13, 2025, the Commission upon obtaining search warrants, conducted searches at the residences of the Chief Magistrate and the Clerk to obtain relevant documents and information to support the investigations.
"A total of Kes2,070,000 in cash, suspected to be proceeds of corruption was recovered inside a laptop bag at the residence of Hon. Atambo among various documents relevant to the investigations," the commission disclosed.
Following the discovery, both Atambo and Muriithi were escorted to EACC Headquarters for further questioning and to record statements.
