Thika Law Courts Chief Magistrate Stella Atambo has strongly denied allegations of bribery and illicit financial dealings leveled against her by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). The embattled magistrate has also demanded the return of Ksh.2,070,000 seized during a raid on her residence, insisting that the money belongs to her husband.
On Thursday, the anti-graft agency issued a statement confirming that it had received multiple complaints accusing Atambo of soliciting and receiving bribes from accused persons in criminal cases in exchange for favorable rulings. Acting on these complaints, EACC conducted a raid at her home, where they reportedly recovered cash hidden in a laptop bag. The agency has since launched a full-scale investigation into the matter.
“EACC wishes to confirm that it is conducting investigations against Stella 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 commission stated.
However, Magistrate Atambo has refuted the allegations, describing them as baseless and politically motivated. Through her legal team, she has vowed to challenge the EACC’s actions, particularly questioning the legitimacy of the search warrants used to conduct the raid.
“My client categorically denies any wrongdoing and maintains that the money seized by EACC does not belong to her but to her husband. This is a clear case of character assassination,” one of her lawyers stated.
Atambo, who has served in the judiciary for several years, insists that she has always upheld the principles of justice and integrity in her judicial work. She has accused the EACC of targeting her unfairly and violating due process in their investigation.
Legal experts suggest that this case could set a precedent for judicial officers accused of corruption, as it raises questions about the EACC’s approach in handling allegations against sitting magistrates.
As the investigation unfolds, all eyes remain on the judiciary and anti-graft agencies, with Kenyans keen to see how the case against Magistrate Atambo will be handled in the coming weeks.
