Judge Reveals Attempts to Bribe Him During Election Petition

High Court judge Anthony Mrima has revealed that there have been threats and attempts to bribe him with respect to an election petition that he is hearing.

Justice Mrima, who is listening to a petition challenging Trans Nzoia Governor Patrick Khaemba's win, explained that there had been acts of intimidation but warned that the court's decision will strictly be based on the law.

"I have noted that there has been acts of threats on the court. I have been threatened and even written letters," Justice Mrima was quoted by the Nation.

He further noted that there had been attempts to bribe him to rule in a particular way but did not mention names of the accused persons.

"My message is very clear and let it go down to everybody I will decide this case on the basis of law and evidence and I will not be intimidated by anybody," Justice Mrima noted.

[caption caption="File image of Trans Nzoia Governor Patrick Khaemba"][/caption]

The Judge is expected to make his ruling on December 7, 2017.

This is the second judge to warn against being bribed after Judge Esther Maina warned Siaya Governor Cornel Rasanga and former Rarieda MP Nicholas Gumbo that he would report them for attempting to bribe her for a favorable ruling in a petition.

During the hearing of the Siaya election petition challenging Governor Rasanga's win, she revealed that she had information that either Gumbo or Rasanga were sending advocates to bribe her.

"I will not receive money from any hierarchy, advocate or colleague," she stated, adding that she would report the matter to police and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).

She told the two rival politicians, who were present in the court, to stop sending emissaries to her office, indicating that no amount of intimidation would lead to her making a partisan judgment.

[caption caption="File image of Judge Esther Maina listening to a case"][/caption]

She further told Ogutu Mboya, who is Gumbo's lead counsel, and Rasanga's lawyers to advise their clients on the consequences of trying to bribe a judge.

"If disgruntled, go report the matter to the police...you should not threaten the judge," Judge Maina conveyed.