The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has launched investigations into bribery allegations leveled against Justice Fred Nyagaka.
In a statement on Monday, September 22, JSC Secretary Winfridah Mokaya said the commission had taken note of the allegations and had 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.
The JSC assured the public that it would continue to provide updates on the matter as appropriate.
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Nyagaka reportedly received Ksh10 million in order to give a favourable judgment in the case but delivered the ruling the other way.
In an update on Saturday, September 20, Lawyer Nelson Havi shared a letter signed by the complainant, Ben Limo, demanding a refund of the money.
"I am writing to you directly concerning a matter of grave personal and professional urgency: the refund of the sum of Ksh10 million that was paid to you, through your contact person.
"This payment was made on the clear understanding and agreement that you would perform a specific service for me and my associates. Despite receiving the funds in full, you completely failed, refused, and/or neglected to fulfil your part of the bargain," the letter read in part.
Limo explained that he had exercised patience and sought to resolve the matter quietly, but his efforts had failed.
"I have exercised immense patience and have attempted to resolve this matter through quiet, gentlemanly channels, all in the spirit of good-faith. Notably, during our last phone call conversation facilitated by the contact person, you personally assured me that you had secured a bank loan and would make an initial payment of KSh5,000,000.00. To date, no such payment, or any payment, has been received on my end. You have since become entirely unresponsive, evasive, and broken the promise," the letter continued.
Limo further accused the judge of unjustly holding on to his money, describing Nyagaka's move as unacceptable and unjust.
"The continued retention of this amount, for which you have provided no value, is unacceptable and unjust. It represents the hard-earned savings of myself and my associates, and it is only fair that the same is refunded with immediate effect," the letter added.
Limo then issued a final demand for a refund within seven days, warning of public legal action if the matter was not resolved.
"I hereby demand that you arrange for the immediate and full refund of the entire amount of Ksh10 million to be delivered through the same channel you had received the same amount from, within seven (7) days from the date of this letter.
"Be advised that this is the last and final attempt to resolve this privately; failure to, I will be left with no choice but to publicly pursue every single legal available and avenue available to secure justice. Kindly note that this will no longer be a private discussion," the letter signed on August 25, 2025, concluded.
The matter was brought into the limelight following the arrest of Standard Media Group journalist Collins Kweyu, who was privy to the case.
Kweyu, who was pursuing the story, was arrested in Migori County and transported to Nairobi's Central Police Station.
He was freed on a free bond and ordered to report to the Migori County Criminal Investigation offices next week, where the complaint originated.
"I'll be heading there on Wednesday next week, but they are still holding my phone. I will now be cowed by this experience; the work I do must continue," he said.
