The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has officially sanctioned bribery charges against Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) Chairperson Josephat Kabeabea, marking one of the most significant corruption crackdowns of 2025. The decision follows a comprehensive investigation by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), which arrested the ACA boss over allegations of bribery, extortion, and unexplained wealth.
In a statement released on Monday, November 17, the ODPP confirmed it had received an inquiry file from EACC on Friday, November 14, detailing what prosecutors describe as a meticulously documented bribery operation in violation of the Anti-Bribery Act, 2023.
“On 14th November 2025, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission forwarded a pursuant file to the Director of Public Prosecutions 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,” the ODPP said.
According to investigators, Josephat Kabeabea allegedly demanded a Ksh5 million bribe from a business owner to halt an Anti-Counterfeit Authority investigation and prevent arrests of the business owner and staff.
The ODPP statement reveals that the ACA chair allegedly reduced the bribe demand from Ksh5 million to Ksh150,000, which was then sent via mobile money to a number believed to belong to his personal driver.
“The investigations indicate Hon. Kabeabea demanded a bribe of Ksh5 million… Evidence further shows he received Ksh150,000 during the transaction,” the ODPP noted.
This alleged bribery transaction forms the core of the soon-to-be-filed charges.
After a full review under Section 35 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, the DPP concluded that the inquiry file presents strong, prosecutable evidence.
“The evidence on record sufficiently discloses the essential elements of the offence of bribery… Consequently, the DPP has directed that Hon. Kabeabea be charged,” the statement reads.
Kabeabea is now expected to face multiple counts of bribery under the Anti-Bribery Act, intensifying scrutiny on corruption within Kenya’s regulatory agencies.
The bribery case escalated on Friday, November 14, when EACC detectives conducted a high-profile raid at Kabeabea’s residence and offices. The operation followed repeated complaints from Kenyan and foreign investors accusing the ACA chair of harassment, extortion, and misusing his office for personal gain.
According to the EACC, a Chinese investor from Hongda Automotive Limited reported that Kabeabea demanded Ksh5 million to clear them of alleged counterfeit trade violations.
“He is accused of threatening to arrest investors for alleged involvement in counterfeit trade unless a bribe was paid,” EACC stated.
Investigators say the transaction was carried out through a phone number linked to his driver, suggesting an attempt to conceal the bribe trail.
In a worrying development, the EACC disclosed that the Chinese investor’s experience mirrors several other complaints lodged against the ACA chair.
“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,” EACC noted.
This revelation strengthens the narrative that the ACA—which is mandated to protect Kenyans from counterfeit products—may have been weaponized to intimidate and extort investors.
The impending prosecution of ACA Chair Josephat Kabeabea is viewed as a major test of Kenya’s fight against high-level corruption. The ODPP and EACC collaboration has been widely praised for signaling a tougher stance against public officials who misuse authority for personal gain.
The case is expected to draw intense public interest as the ODPP prepares formal charges in court. If convicted, Kabeabea could face hefty fines, imprisonment, and disqualification from holding public office.
As Kenyans await the next steps, the scandal has opened a broader debate on transparency, accountability, and investor protection within regulatory agencies.
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