NAIROBI, Kenya — The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has approved charges against Hon. Josephat Gichunge Mwirabua Kabeabea, the Chairman of the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA), following investigations into allegations that he demanded and received a bribe from a business proprietor.
In a statement released on November 17, 2025, the ODPP confirmed receiving an inquiry file from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) on November 14, detailing evidence that the ACA chair solicited a bribe contrary to Section 6(1)(a) as read with Section 18 of the Anti-Bribery Act, No. 47 of 2023.
According to the findings, investigators established that Hon. Kabeabea allegedly demanded Sh5 million from a business owner in exchange for halting ongoing investigations and ensuring that neither the proprietor nor his employees would be arrested.
Evidence cited in the file indicates that Hon. Kabeabea received Sh150,000 during the transaction.
The ODPP said a comprehensive review of the file had been conducted pursuant to Section 35 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act (ACECA), Cap 65, concluding that the evidence “sufficiently discloses the essential elements of the offence of bribery.”
Consequently, the DPP directed that Hon. Kabeabea be charged accordingly.
The press release further emphasized the ODPP’s commitment to executing its constitutional mandate “independently, fairly, and in strict accordance with the Constitution and the laws of Kenya,” signalling a continued stance on corruption-related offences within public agencies.
The case adds to a string of recent anti-graft actions involving senior government officials, aligning with broader national efforts by oversight bodies to tighten accountability in public service.
