Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) Board Chairperson Josphat Gichunge Kabeabea has been arrested following a raid by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) over allegations of bribery, extortion, and unexplained wealth.
In a statement on Friday, November 14, EACC said its officers began the investigation after receiving reports that Kabeabea had allegedly been soliciting money from both local and foreign investors.
"The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) today, 14 November 2025, conducted a search operation at the residence and offices of Josphat Gichunge Kabeabea, Chairperson of the Board of the Anti-Counterfeit Authority.
"The operation is part of ongoing investigations into allegations of bribery, extortion of local and foreign investors, and acquisition of unexplained wealth," the statement read.
According to EACC, court orders authorising the search were obtained after preliminary findings revealed fresh claims of bribery made by a Chinese investor operating in the automotive sector.
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"The search follows court orders secured after preliminary findings indicated that on 11th November 2025, Kabeabea allegedly demanded a Ksh5 million bribe from a Chinese investor trading as Hongda Automotive Limited.
"He is accused of threatening to arrest investors for alleged involvement in counterfeit trade unless a bribe was paid," the statement added.
EACC noted that the suspect reportedly lowered the amount demanded and received the money through his driver’s mobile number.
"According to the complaint, the suspect reportedly reduced the bribe demand from Ksh5 million to Ksh150,000, which was later sent to a mobile number believed to belong to his personal driver," the statement further read.
EACC stated that investigators have since uncovered a pattern of similar allegations, indicating that the reported incident may not be isolated.
"The Commission has since established that this was not an isolated incident, as similar allegations against the suspect have emerged during the course of the investigation," the statement concluded.
Kabeabea remains in custody at the Integrity Centre Police Station as investigators prepare to record additional statements and pursue possible charges.
This comes weeks after a senior official at the Kericho County Lands Registry has been arrested for allegedly demanding and receiving a bribe to facilitate land documentation.
In a statement on Tuesday, September 30, EACC confirmed the arrest of Dallington Kipkurui Mutai, the Senior Clerical Officer at the Kericho County Lands Registry.
According to the EACC, Mutai was reportedly extorting money from residents seeking title deeds.
"The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), through its South Rift Regional Office, has today arrested Senior Clerical Officer at the Kericho County Lands Registry, Dallington Kipkurui Mutai, who demanded and received Ksh210,000 to facilitate the preparation of title deeds for two parcels of land," the statement read.
According to the commission, the arrest followed a sting operation after multiple reports from locals who claimed the suspect had turned bribe demands into a routine practice.
"He was arrested in an operation mounted by the Commission following investigations into multiple complaints from Kericho residents that the Senior Clerk had made it a routine to demand a ‘facilitation fee’ before initiating the production of title deeds," the statement added.
Following the arrest, the suspect was processed and released on bail as investigations continue.
"The suspect was escorted to Kericho Police Station, where he was processed and later released on a cash bail of Ksh50,000 pending the conclusion of investigations," the statement further read.
