A businessman from Kenya, Francis Kamau Karanja, has been accused of sending a threatening text message to Magistrate Margaret Murage at the Kibera Law Court. He is set to appear at the Milimani Law Courts on Thursday, October 8, 2026. The case was initially at the Kibera Law Court, but the prosecution requested a transfer to ensure fairness in case of a conviction. Karanja allegedly sent the threatening message on September 28, 2026.
According to the charge sheet, the message sent by Karanja read in part: “Greetings Hon. MM, I have noted the great bias in the case of Gabriel Saka. It seems you have taken sides and we will not allow it. I will not stop at anything to ensure justice is done. Be warned. Chunga kazi yako. Na ujichunge sana. Tunajua kwako.” The message was reportedly intended to cause fear. Karanja denied the charge and sought lenient bond terms through his lawyer.
Karanja's lawyer asked the court to withdraw the matter and release him, arguing that he had been arrested on Monday and had already spent longer than necessary in police custody before being charged. However, Magistrate Victor Wakumile directed that the file be withdrawn at Kibera and that Karanja be presented before the Milimani Chief Magistrate for plea-taking.
The prosecution argued that keeping the case at Kibera could raise questions of fairness if the accused was eventually convicted, although there was no intention to prejudice the trial. This led to the decision to transfer the case to Milimani Law Courts. Karanja will spend the night at Kilimani Police Station before being taken to Milimani on Thursday.
The case involves a complaint against Karanja for allegedly threatening Magistrate Murage. The magistrate is stationed at Kibera Law Courts, which is why the prosecution sought to have the case transferred. The incident has raised concerns about the safety and security of judicial officers in Kenya.
Karanja's case is set to proceed at the Milimani Law Courts, with the accused businessman expected to plead to the charges on Thursday. The court will determine the next course of action in the case. Karanja's lawyer had sought to have the matter withdrawn, but the court directed otherwise.
The threat to Magistrate Murage is the latest in a series of incidents that have raised concerns about the safety of judicial officers in Kenya. The judiciary has emphasized the importance of ensuring the security and safety of all court officials.
Key points
- The case against Francis Kamau Karanja will be heard at Milimani Law Courts on Thursday, October 8, 2026.
- Karanja allegedly sent a threatening text message to Magistrate Margaret Murage on September 28, 2026.
- The prosecution sought to transfer the case to ensure fairness in case of a conviction.
