The chairperson of the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA), Josphat Kabeabea has been charged with soliciting a Sh5 million bribe from a foreign investor accused of trading counterfeit motor vehicle spare parts.
The former Tigania East MP pleaded not guilty to five charges, including soliciting bribes and acquiring proceeds of crime, in the anti-corruption case.
The prosecution alleged that Mr Kabeabea demanded the bribe from Du Zhiseng, an international investor suspected of dealing in counterfeit automobile parts, allegedly on November 11, 2025.
According to Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) investigators, the amount was negotiated down three times: first to Sh1 million, then Sh300,000, before settling at Sh144,500.
The prosecution argued that the ACA chairperson sought the payment in exchange for shielding Zhiseng from arrest and prosecution.
Investigations revealed that Zhiseng transferred the amount to Mr Kabeabea’s proxy through mobile money services.
The ACA chairperson was charged under Section 6(1)(a) of the Anti-Bribery Act No.47 of 2023 for soliciting bribes and Section 4(a) of the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act for knowingly receiving illicit funds.
Anti-Counterfeit Authority chairperson Josphat Kabeabea (left) being escorted out of the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court on November 17, 2025
Photo credit: Billy Ogada | Nation Media Group
If found guilty, the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act recommends imprisonment for a term not exceeding 14 years, or a fine not exceeding Sh5 million or the amount of the value of the property involved in the offence, whichever is the higher, or both the fine and imprisonment.
The Anti-Bribery Act says those found guilty are liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years, or to a fine not exceeding Sh5 million, or both. The mandatory fine referred to is equal to five times the amount of the benefit or loss described.
Prosecutors contended that Mr Kabeabea retained the money on his phone, fully aware it was obtained through graft.
He pleaded not guilty and sought bail, assuring the court he was not a flight risk and had cooperated with EACC investigators.
The prosecution did not oppose his release but cautioned the court about the severity of the charges, which carry stiff penalties upon conviction.
The magistrate ruled that bail is a constitutional right unless compelling reasons exist to deny it.
Noting the prosecution’s lack of objection, the court released him on a Sh2 million bond with one surety of equal amount or an alternative cash bail of Sh1 million.
The court further directed the prosecution to furnish the defense with witness statements and exhibits ahead of trial.
The case will be mentioned in two weeks for pre-trial directions. The charges against the ACA chairperson highlight Kenya’s ongoing battle against corruption within regulatory bodies tasked with combating illicit trade.
