Kenya Anti-Corruption Body Detains ACA Chair in Bribery and Abuse-of-Office Probe

 

By Phanice Rono 

Kenya’s anti-corruption watchdog has arrested Josphat Gichunge Kabeabea, the chairman of the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA), following raids at his Nairobi home and office amid mounting allegations of extortion, abuse of office and unexplained wealth.

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) confirmed that its detectives, acting on court-issued search warrants, seized documents, bank statements and electronic records believed to be linked to suspected bribery schemes within the agency. Kabeabea was later escorted to the Integrity Centre for interrogation.

The investigation centres on claims that Kabeabea demanded a substantial bribe from a foreign investor associated with an automotive firm in Nairobi. According to sources familiar with the probe, the alleged solicitation began at around KSh 5 million but was reduced during negotiations before being paid in smaller instalments. Investigators say the ACA chief threatened legal action over supposed counterfeiting unless the payment was made.

EACC officers are also examining a separate incident in which a local company is reported to have paid millions of shillings to avoid being subjected to a counterfeit-goods investigation. The details of the alleged transactions are part of evidence collected during the searches.

Kabeabea, a former Member of Parliament appointed to lead the ACA, has not issued a public statement on the allegations. The EACC says the inquiry is active and ongoing, stressing that safeguarding the integrity of anti-counterfeit enforcement is vital to maintaining public trust.

“The fight against counterfeits relies heavily on credible enforcement institutions,” an EACC official said. “Any abuse of that mandate undermines the entire system.”

Further updates are expected as investigators continue reviewing the seized materials.