Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga has approved criminal charges against the Chairman of the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA), Gichunge Kabeabea, following investigations alleging he demanded and received a bribe from a business owner.

In a statement released on Monday, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) confirmed that the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) had on November 14, 2025, submitted an inquiry file containing evidence implicating the ACA boss in corrupt dealings.

The DPP said his office had conducted a comprehensive and independent review of the material before arriving at the decision to prosecute.

“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 stated.

Alleged Demand for KSh5 Million Bribe

According to the inquiry file, investigators alleged that Kabeabea demanded a KSh5 million bribe from a business proprietor in exchange for halting an investigation and preventing the arrest of the businessman and his employees.

The DPP further noted that evidence before his office indicates that Kabeabea received KSh150,000 as part of the alleged transaction.

After reviewing the case pursuant to Section 35 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, Ingonga concluded that the evidence met the legal threshold necessary to sustain criminal charges.

The ODPP said the material submitted by EACC sufficiently established the elements of the offence of bribery as defined under Section 6(1)(a) of the Anti-Bribery Act, 2023.

EACC Conducts Search Operation

The charging decision comes days after the EACC conducted search operations at Kabeabea’s residence and offices as part of ongoing investigations into alleged bribery, extortion of investors, and unexplained wealth.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Commission said the searches were conducted under valid court orders, adding that a detailed briefing would be provided in due course.

A search warrant issued by the Chief Magistrate’s Anti-Corruption Court at Milimani, dated November 13, 2025, authorised EACC investigator John Nyagara — or any other appointed investigator — to access and search two locations linked to the ACA chairman.

The warrant allowed officers to obtain and seize records, documents, electronic devices and other materials relevant to the ongoing inquiry. It also permitted the use of reasonable force where necessary.

With the DPP now approving charges, Kabeabea is expected to be formally arraigned once the ODPP and EACC finalise necessary procedural steps. The case adds to a series of high-profile corruption investigations targeting senior public officials as agencies intensify efforts to enforce accountability in public institutions.