Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu's arrest could have even come earlier following a node by President Uhuru Kenyatta, a source close to Jubilee says.
A report tabled by the Muilti-Agency Task Team to Uhuru on Friday precipitated the President's urgent meetings with security forces at State House hours before he left for America.
But shielded by the constitution, Uhuru asked detectives to ensure the matter is reported to JSC before an action would be taken.
"She was among those in the secret dossier that the President received on Friday.
"He convened meetings at State House and Harambee House where he ordered detectives to ensure the law is followed before she would be arrested," said the source.
Due to the virtue that she is a judge, detectives were first required to formally inform JSC before arrest would be done.
And her arrest of Tuesday was arrived after a crisis meeting in the Supreme Court where Mwilu was also part of those attending.
"We informed the Chief Justice. She abused her offices, received bribe and obtained money from Imperial Bank through pretense," said DPP Noordin Haji.
She is accused of taking a loan of Sh12 million from the collapsed Imperial Bank contrary to the law.