The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Renson Ingonga
has approved charges against Gichunge Kabeabea, the Chairman of the
Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA), following investigations into allegations
that he demanded and received a bribe from a business owner.
In a statement on Monday, the Office of the Director of
Public Prosecutions confirmed that the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission
(EACC) had, on November 14, 2025, forwarded an inquiry file detailing evidence
against the ACA boss.
Ingonga has now directed that Kabeabea be charged with bribery,
insisting that its decision followed a comprehensive and independent review of
the evidence.
“The ODPP reaffirms its commitment to executing its mandate
independently, fairly, and in strict accordance with the Constitution and the
laws of Kenya,” the office said in a statement dated November 17, 2025.
The investigations alleged that Kabeabea demanded a Sh5
million bribe from a business proprietor in exchange for halting an
investigation and preventing the arrest of the businessman and his employees.
According to the DPP, evidence presented to his office
further indicates he received Sh150,000 as part of the alleged transaction .
After reviewing the file pursuant to Section 35 of the
Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, the DPP found that the evidence met
the threshold required to sustain criminal charges.
The ODPP noted that the material provided by EACC sufficiently
discloses the essential elements of the offence of bribery as defined under
Section 6(1)(a) of the Anti-Bribery Act, 2023.
“The ODPP reaffirms its commitment to executing its mandate
independently, fairly, and in strict accordance with the Constitution and the
laws of Kenya.”
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) on Friday
conducted a search operation at Kabeabea’s residence and offices.
The operation was part of ongoing investigations into
alleged bribery, extortion of investors and unexplained wealth.
In a statement issued on Friday, the commission said the
searches are being carried out under valid court orders.
“The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission is currently
conducting a search operation pursuant to valid court orders,” the statement
read, adding that a detailed briefing will be issued later.
According to a search warrant issued by the Chief
Magistrate’s Anti-Corruption Court at Milimani, the order was granted under
various sections of the Criminal Procedure Code and sections 23 and 29 of the
Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act.
The warrant, dated November 13, 2025, authorised EACC
investigator John Nyagara, or any other investigator appointed by the
commission, to access and search two locations linked to the official.
The court order allowed investigators to obtain and seize
records, documents, electronic devices and any other materials considered
necessary for the inquiry.
It also permitted the use of reasonable force where
required.
