The Anti-Counterfeit Authority has broken its silence following the arrest of its Board Chairperson, Josphat Gichunge Kabeabea, over allegations of bribery and corruption.
In a statement released on Saturday, November 15, the Board of Directors acknowledged the reports regarding the allegations. It affirmed its confidence in the rule of law, pledging full cooperation and support throughout the investigation process.
"The Board of Directors of the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) has taken note of reports regarding allegations of bribery and corruption involving its chairperson. The Board affirms its confidence in the due process of the law and assures the relevant investigative authorities of its full cooperation and support throughout the course of the investigations," the statement read.
The Authority emphasized its unwavering commitment to integrity and transparency in executing its mandate.
"ACA remains steadfast in its commitment to integrity, transparency, and accountability in the discharge of its mandate. The Authority does not tolerate, condone, or support any form of corruption or complacency in matters of governance and public service," the Board stated.
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In an effort to reassure stakeholders, the Board confirmed that the Authority's operations would continue uninterrupted despite the ongoing investigations.
"Further, the Board assures all stakeholders that the operations and services of ACA remain uninterrupted, as the institution continues to deliver on its core mandate of combating counterfeiting in Kenya," the statement concluded.
The statement follows the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission's (EACC) search operation at the residence and offices of Hon. Josphat Gichunge Kabeabea on Thursday, November 14, 2025.
The operation is part of ongoing investigations into allegations of bribery, extortion of local and foreign investors, and acquisition of unexplained wealth.
The search follows court orders secured after preliminary findings indicated that on November 11, 2025, Mr. Kabeabea allegedly demanded a bribe of Ksh5 million 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.
According to the complaint, the suspect reportedly reduced the bribe demand from Ksh 5 million to Ksh 150,000, which was later sent to a mobile number believed to belong to his personal driver.
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 suspect was arrested and held at the Integrity Centre Police Station for further questioning and to record a statement.
