The Kenyan government has revoked the appointment of Josephat Gichunge Mwirabua Kabeabea as Chairperson and Board Member of the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) following bribery and extortion charges arising from an Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) investigation. Kabeabea, a former Member of Parliament for Tigania East, was appointed ACA Chair in February 2023.
The decision, announced by Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry Lee Kinyanjui, took effect on 28 November 2025, signaling the administration’s commitment to maintaining accountability in public institutions.
The EACC carried out a court-ordered raid on 14 November 2025 at Kabeabea’s residence and ACA offices as part of a probe into allegations that he solicited bribes from both local and foreign business operators.
One of the key complaints involved a Chinese investor whose company faced counterfeit goods accusations. Investigators claim Kabeabea demanded KSh 5 million to avoid prosecution, later allegedly reducing the amount to KSh 150,000. A separate incident in October reportedly involved another company, from which Kabeabea allegedly demanded KSh 10 million, receiving KSh 8 million under threat of legal action.
Following the investigation, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions approved charges against Kabeabea under the Anti-Bribery Act, 2023, including solicitation and receipt of bribes and acquisition of proceeds of crime.
During his initial court appearance, Kabeabea denied the charges and was released on KSh 1 million cash bail, ordered to surrender his passport, and barred from interfering with witnesses or discussing the case publicly.
By Michelle Ndaga
