Tuju Bribery Case: EACC Sting Exposes Alleged Judicial Corruption Network
EACC sting operation leads to arrests and raises questions over judicial integrity
Last Updated on May 4, 2026 by carolyne juma
Tuju Bribery Scandal: EACC Sting Exposes Alleged Judicial Corruption Network
Published: May 4, 2026 | 6:25 PM EAT
Tuju bribery case Kenya
A major corruption scandal has rocked Kenya’s judiciary after Raphael Tuju became the central figure in an explosive bribery sting operation.
The operation, conducted by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), led to arrests, recovered cash, and allegations that have shaken public confidence in the justice system.
read:Raphael Tuju Karen Property Sold for Sh450M as Firm Confirms Purchase
Inside the EACC sting
On March 9, 2026:
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Tuju was fitted with audio-visual recording devices
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He carried Ksh1 million in treated cash
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Detectives monitored a meeting at Entim Sidai, Karen
Within hours:
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Four suspects were arrested
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The cash was recovered
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A major bribery probe was triggered
Key figures arrested
Among those arrested were:
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Joseph Mutava (removed from office previously)
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Kimani Wachira
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Businessman Tom Awili
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Auctioneer Kennedy Mulwa
The arrests raised serious concerns about networks operating within legal and judicial systems.
read:High Court Clears Auction of Raphael Tuju’s Karen Hotels in Loan Dispute
Judge at the center denies wrongdoing
The case has drawn in Justice Josephine Mongare, who has denied all allegations.
She moved to court and obtained orders blocking:
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Arrest
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Investigation
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Summons by EACC
Allegations of bribery demands
Investigators claim:
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Tuju was asked to pay $80,000 (Sh10M+)
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Additional demands of Sh5 million were made
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Earlier payments included Sh500,000
A key moment involved a speakerphone call, where Tuju claims he heard a judge discussing his case.
read:High Court Clears Auction of Raphael Tuju’s Karen Properties in Billion-Shilling Debt Dispute
Background: The debt dispute
The case is linked to a long-running legal battle between Tuju and the East African Development Bank.
Key facts:
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Loan: $9.3 million (Sh1.2 billion)
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Defaulted in 2016
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Debt grew to Sh4.5 billion
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Properties in Karen used as collateral
Same-day coincidence raises questions
On the same day of arrests:
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Justice Mongare dismissed Tuju’s case
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Auctioneers were cleared to proceed
This timing has intensified scrutiny.
Legal battle over investigations
The EACC insists it has full authority to investigate corruption.
Meanwhile, the judge argues:
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Judicial independence must be protected
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Complaints should go through the Judicial Service Commission
Why this case matters
This scandal raises critical issues:
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Integrity of Kenya’s judiciary
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Limits of judicial immunity
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Accountability in high-profile cases
Conclusion
The Tuju bribery case has become one of the most significant judicial corruption allegations in recent years.
With evidence, arrests, and ongoing legal battles, Kenya now waits for the next move by prosecutors and the courts.
