The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has approved bribery charges against Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) Chairman Josphat Gichunge Kabeabea. The approval follows allegations that Kabeabea demanded Ksh5 million from a Chinese business owner to halt investigations and avoid arrest.
According to a statement released by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) on Monday, November 17, evidence gathered by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) revealed that Kabeabea later reduced the bribe demand to Ksh150,000. The amount was allegedly sent to a mobile number believed to belong to his personal driver.
Kabeabea faces charges under Section 6(1)(a) read with Section 18 of the Anti-Bribery Act, 2023. He is scheduled to be arraigned at the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court on Monday, November 17.
The ODPP statement highlighted that the DPP conducted a thorough review of the EACC’s investigation file in line with Section 35 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, Cap 65, and concluded that sufficient evidence exists to support the bribery charges.
Kabeabea, a former Member of Parliament for Tigania East (2017–2022), was arrested on Friday, November 14, following EACC operations at his residence and office. In Parliament, he served on the Departmental Committee on Lands.
This is not the first bribery allegation against him. Reports indicate that in October, Kabeabea allegedly demanded a Ksh10 million bribe from another company, receiving Ksh8 million, while threatening to accuse the business of selling counterfeit goods if his demands were not met.
EACC confirmed that Kabeabea remains in custody at the Integrity Centre Police Station for further questioning and statement recording. The case continues to attract attention as authorities push for accountability in high-profile corruption cases.
