Courts
Kilgoris magistrate demands to know source of claims he received Sh2 million bribe
Wafula stated that since March 28, social media has been awash with information that he had received a bribe in respect of the case
A Kilgoris court has ordered the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to investigate two court clerks and suspects to establish allegations that he received a bribe of Ksh 2 million.
Chief Magistrate Cyprian Waswa Wafula gave the orders when two suspects, Olodaru Tasur alias Saningo and Samuel Sankei Tasur, were scheduled to take plea in a matter they are accused of threatening to kill Daniel Leshan Seitai.
Wafula sought to know from the accused persons and the complainant who was behind allegations that he had received a bribe of Ksh 2 million,
“Amongst you I want you to confess before this open court who amongst you gave me Ksh 2 million and for what purpose,” Wafula said as he demanded explanation.
He also demanded to know from his two court clerks who had solicited the bribe on his behalf.
Wafula stated that since March 28, social media has been awash with information that he had received a bribe in respect of the case.
He added that he has received phone calls from State House in respect of the allegations saying his name has been tarnished.
The magistrate said that the court has also been disparaged as corrupt and compromisable.
He also said that the said allegations have been published in a weekly publication that a certain clan raised Ksh 2 million to bribe him.
“I want you the complainant and the accused to state openly whom you gave the money raised by the clan to bribe this court,” the magistrate demanded.
He also required the suspects to identify any court staff who may have approached them to receive the money.
Defence lawyers Danstan Omari and Stanley Kinyanjui, who attended the session virtually from Milimani law Courts in Nairobi, asked the magistrate to stamp the court’s authority to get to the bottom of the allegations.
“The allegations against the case are very serious and they touch on the integrity of the court. The court should invite the DCI to establish the truth of the allegations,” Omari submitted.
Omari further asked the DCI to conduct a cybercrime investigation to establish phone communication of the parties involved.
He further said that the court cannot work under threats and external directions.
In a brief ruling, Wafula recused himself from the case and referred the file to the Chief Magistrate for fresh directions since he has been mentioned in bad light.
The matter was scheduled for mention today.
Meanwhile, DCI officers were required to pick the court clerks and suspects to record statements,
“I have recorded my statement with the DCI to investigate the allegations made against me,” Wafula disclosed before the court.
