A bombshell bribery scandal has rocked Kenya’s Court of Appeal, casting a dark cloud over one of its top judges.
Justice Daniel Musinga, the President of the Court of Appeal, is at the center of a disturbing case involving claims that a university student leader approached a litigant seeking a bribe of Sh872,437 in exchange for help in rigging a court ruling.
The student claimed to be acting on Musinga’s behalf, raising serious concerns about judicial integrity at the highest levels.
Justice Musinga Scandal: A Student, a Bribe, and a Bench for Sale
In an explosive testimony delivered before a Nairobi court, Justice Daniel Musinga denied ever meeting or knowing Mr. Anthony Muchui Manyara, the university student at the heart of the scandal.
The trial, presided over by Magistrate Dolphina Alego, heard how Manyara allegedly solicited a bribe of $6,750 (Sh872,437) from a litigant, Ms. Mary Wagaki Muthumbi.
According to court documents, the money was meant to influence the constitution of a “favourable” bench at the Court of Appeal, where Muthumbi had a pending civil case.
The bribe breakdown was clear: $5,500 allegedly for Justice Musinga, and $1,250 for the student himself, labeled as “facilitation fees.”
The judge, who holds one of the most powerful judicial positions in the country, told the court he was “shocked” when he learned his name had been linked to the scandal. He claimed the entire scheme was a fabrication meant to undermine public confidence in his office and the judiciary at large.
“I do not know the accused person, and I have never interacted with him professionally or personally,” Justice Musinga stated firmly. “I have never sent anyone to collect money on my behalf. These allegations are baseless and intended to smear my name.”
The attempted bribery came to light after Muthumbi wrote a formal complaint to Chief Justice Martha Koome in November 2023, outlining the attempted shakedown.
In the complaint, she detailed how Manyara had claimed to be a close ally of Justice Musinga and promised that for a small price, he could influence the outcome of her appeal.
Court of Appeal President and Student Leader’s Web of Lies
Mr. Manyara, a once-prominent student leader and political activist, now faces charges of attempted bribery and impersonation. The court heard that he made repeated contact with Ms. Muthumbi, even going so far as to name specific figures and timelines for delivering the bribe.
“He told me the money would secure the appointment of judges who would favour my case,” said Ms. Muthumbi in her affidavit. “He made it sound like a done deal—as if he had direct access to Justice Musinga.”
The scandal has sparked outrage among legal professionals and the general public, many of whom fear the damage such schemes cause to the rule of law.
While Justice Musinga insists he was not involved, critics argue that the mere possibility that someone could exploit judicial authority for personal gain speaks volumes about the loopholes in Kenya’s court system.
The prosecution claims that Manyara misused his position and reputation to lure desperate litigants into giving up money for fake judicial favors. It’s a tactic that preys on the trust and desperation of ordinary Kenyans seeking justice in a broken system.
Is Justice Musinga Scandal Putting Judiciary’s Image at Risk?
Despite his denial, Justice Musinga cannot easily shake off the stench of scandal. His name is now etched into a case that raises troubling questions about the vulnerability of Kenya’s judicial officers to manipulation, corruption, and impersonation.
Although no direct evidence has tied the judge to the solicitation, the mere mention of his name in a bribery plot has triggered public debate about the accountability of senior members of the bench.
Legal experts argue that this case highlights the urgent need for deeper vetting and closer monitoring of individuals who interact with litigants under the guise of influence.
For now, Justice Musinga remains a witness and not an accused, but the shadow cast by the scandal could haunt his legacy. His courtroom testimony, though passionate, did little to dispel growing skepticism from a public weary of high-level impunity.
Meanwhile, Chief Justice Martha Koome has not made a public comment on the incident, although sources within the Judiciary confirm that internal investigations are underway.
The Judiciary’s image is on the line, and the outcome of this trial could be a turning point in how Kenya handles corruption within its justice system.
Conclusion
The Justice Musinga scandal is more than just a courtroom drama—it’s a revealing glimpse into how corruption can creep into even the highest levels of Kenya’s legal system. While the judge denies involvement, the damage may already be done. Whether or not he is cleared, this case exposes the cracks in a justice system that is meant to serve, not exploit. The nation now waits to see if justice will truly be served.
