Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) Board Chairperson Josphat Gichunge Kabeabea was on Monday arraigned at the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court to answer charges of allegedly demanding bribes from a Chinese businessman in exchange for protection from arrest.
The charge sheet states that on November 11, 2025, Kabeabea is accused of asking Du Zhisheng for Ksh5 million, allegedly promising to shield him from being apprehended or prosecuted for dealing in counterfeit motor vehicle parts.
- Prosecutors further alleged that Kabeabea made a separate demand of Ksh1 million, again purportedly assuring the complainant that no enforcement action would be taken against him.
A third solicitation of Ksh300,000 is also captured in the particulars of the case.
According to the Prosecution, part of the alleged bribe was later transmitted to a mobile number belonging to one Ntorui Erastus Kaibi. The court was told that Ksh144,500 was received through the line and is believed to have originated from the complainant.
The accused is additionally charged under the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act for allegedly obtaining the Ksh144,500 while knowing, or having reasonable cause to believe, that the money represented proceeds of crime. An alternative count accuses him of being in possession of the same amount.
Kabeabea appeared before Principal Magistrate Celesa Okore, where he denied all the charges. The court consequently entered a plea of not guilty.
Magistrate Okore released the accused on a bond of Ksh2 million with one surety or a cash bail of Ksh1 million.
The court also directed Kabeabea to surrender his passport within 14 days. The Prosecution was ordered to furnish all documentary evidence to the defence within the same period.
Further, the magistrate barred the accused from contacting or interfering with witnesses. All parties were also prohibited from making public statements regarding the matter.
The case will be mentioned on December 8, 2025, before Magistrate Ondiek for further directions.
