The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested Josphat Kabeabea, the Chairperson of the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) Board of Directors, following serious allegations that he demanded a total of Ksh15 million in bribes while executing his duties at the authority.
Kabeabea was arrested on Friday, November 14, after EACC detectives conducted an early-morning raid at his residence.
According to the Commission, the arrest came after a series of investigations showing that the official had allegedly asked for bribes from business owners, particularly foreign nationals, under the guise of fighting counterfeit goods.
Demanding Ksh5 Million From a Chinese National
EACC reports show that on November 11, Kabeabea demanded a Ksh5 million bribe from a Chinese businessman whose company he had accused of dealing in counterfeit items. The Commission revealed that Kabeabea allegedly threatened the businessman with detention and prosecution if he refused to pay.
When the Chinese national declined the Ksh5 million demand, Kabeabea allegedly reduced the bribe several times — first to Ksh1 million, then Ksh300,000, and finally Ksh150,000.
According to an official report seen by NewsHub.co.ke, the ACA boss allegedly instructed the businessman to send the agreed amount to a phone number belonging to his driver since the foreigner did not have cash at hand during the encounter.
EACC further confirmed that CCTV footage captured Kabeabea visiting the Chinese-owned company on November 10 and 11, supporting the claims made by the complainant.
Another Case: Soliciting Ksh10 Million Bribe
In a separate case reported in October, Kabeabea allegedly demanded a Ksh10 million bribe from another company. Investigators say he eventually received Ksh8 million, after allegedly threatening to implicate the company in the sale of counterfeit goods if they failed to cooperate.
Kabeabea’s Political Background
Kabeabea previously served as the Member of Parliament for Tigania East between 2017 and 2022. During his time in Parliament, he was a member of the Departmental Committee on Lands.
He became widely known in the run-up to the 2022 General Election, after his vehicle was set on fire by unknown attackers on the final day of the campaign period.
Despite losing his parliamentary seat, he was appointed in February 2023 by President William Ruto as the Chair of the Anti-Counterfeit Authority, marking his return to a senior public position.
Part of a Wider Crackdown
This latest arrest comes just days after EACC conducted major raids targeting senior officials in the State Department for Sports, who are suspected of involvement in the alleged embezzlement of Ksh3.8 billion.
The Commission stated that investigations are focusing on possible unlawful acquisition of public assets and abuse of office. The alleged crimes reportedly took place during the 2020/2021 and 2025/2026 financial years.
Among those targeted in the recent raids were:
- A Senior Assistant Commissioner of Sports,
- A Deputy Accountant General in the Ministry of ASALs and Regional Development,
- An Accountant at the State Department for Sports,
- A Director of several private travel companies linked to the alleged scheme.
The EACC raided homes and offices across Nairobi, Kiambu, Machakos, Nyeri, and Nanyuki, recovering crucial evidence including:
- Ksh3.58 million in cash,
- Title deeds for several properties,
- High-end motor vehicles,
- And other documents believed to be connected to the investigations.
The Commission has indicated that investigations are ongoing, and more arrests could follow as the crackdown on corruption intensifies.
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