Judge Denies Bribery Allegations Involving University Student Leader
A high-profile bribery scandal has rocked Kenya’s judiciary, with a prominent judge, Justice Daniel Musinga, firmly denying allegations that he sent a university student leader to solicit a bribe of $6,750 (approximately Sh872,437) from a litigant. The accusations center around a case pending at the Court of Appeal, where the bribe was allegedly demanded to secure a favorable ruling.
The trial, held at the Milimani Law Courts, saw Justice Musinga take the stand to refute claims made against him. The accused, Antony Muchui Manyara, a university student leader, is charged with attempting to defraud Ms. Mary Wagaki Muthumbi by soliciting the bribe in US dollars. Manyara allegedly claimed the money was demanded by Justice Musinga to influence the composition of the appellate bench and ensure a favorable outcome for Muthumbi’s case.
According to testimony presented before Trial Magistrate Dolphina Alego, the scandal came to light in 2023 when Muthumbi reported the incident to the Chief Justice. In her complaint, she detailed how Manyara contacted her, claiming to act on behalf of Justice Musinga. “He alleged that I had sent him to solicit a bribe of $6,750 so that I could constitute a friendly bench to hear an application for extension of time,” Musinga testified, dismissing the claims as baseless.
Justice Musinga, a respected figure in Kenya’s judiciary, emphasized that the accusations were false and appeared designed to tarnish his reputation and undermine public trust in the judiciary. “Any such claims are false and intended to undermine the credibility of my work and the judiciary,” he told the court.
The prosecution alleges that Manyara misrepresented himself as having direct access to the judge, exploiting his position as a student leader to deceive Muthumbi. Muthumbi, who testified against Manyara, recounted the pressure she faced to pay the bribe, which initially escalated to demands of up to Sh1 million.
The case has sparked widespread concern about corruption within Kenya’s judicial system, which has faced similar allegations in the past. In 2021, Chief Justice Martha Koome described corruption as a “national embarrassment” both within and outside the judiciary, a sentiment echoed by legal observers following this latest scandal.
The courtroom was packed with legal professionals, students, and members of the public, reflecting the case’s significance. Posts on X highlighted the gravity of the allegations, with one user noting, “Professionals: #ethicsmatter, always!” alongside a call for university students to be mindful of their associations.
As the trial continues, all eyes are on the judiciary to see how it navigates this challenge to its integrity. Manyara remains in custody, with the court yet to deliver a verdict. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for public trust in Kenya’s legal system and the accountability of those in positions of influence.