The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has announced that the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) Chairman Josephat Kabeabea will be charged with bribery following his arrest by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
In a statement on Monday, November 17, the ODPP said the file submitted by the EACC provided a detailed account of alleged corrupt conduct by the ACA chairman.
According to the ODPP, the file was sent on Friday, November 14, outlining the suspected bribery actions in accordance with the Anti-Bribery Act.
"On 14th November 2025, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) forwarded a pursuant file to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) detailing investigations into allegations that Hon. Kabeabea demanded and received a bribe contrary to Section 6(1)(a) as read with Section 18 of the Anti-Bribery Act, No. 47 of 2023," the statement read.
The ODPP confirmed that the investigation found that Kabeabea allegedly solicited a bribe from a business owner.
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In exchange, he was reportedly willing to forego investigations and refrain from taking action against the individual and their employees.
"The investigations indicate Hon. Kabeabea demanded a bribe of Ksh5 million from the proprietor of a business in exchange for foregoing investigations and refraining from arresting him and his employees. Evidence further shows Hon. Kabebea received Ksh150,000 during the transaction," the statement added.
Following a review of the evidence provided by the EACC, the DPP concluded that the material submitted supports the prosecution of Kabeabea.
"The DPP has conducted a comprehensive review of the inquiry file pursuant to Section 35 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, Cap 65 Laws of Kenya, and established that the evidence on record sufficiently discloses the essential elements of the offence of bribery.
"Consequently, the DPP has directed that Hon. Kabeabea be charged with bribery contrary to Section 6(1)(a) as read with Section 18 of the Anti-Bribery Act, No. 47 of 2023," the statement concluded.
Kabeabea was arrested following a raid by 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.
"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.
