The DPP Renson Ingonga has given the go-ahead for bribery charges to be pressed against Anti-Counterfeit Authority Chairman Josephat Gichunge Mwirabua Kabeabea after investigations over claims that he solicited money from a Chinese businessperson.
In a statement issued Monday, November 17, the ODPP said Kabeabea allegedly requested a bribe to stop investigations against the businessman, accused of selling counterfeit products.
The DPP’s office says he eventually lowered his demand from Ksh5 million to Ksh150,000 money that was later sent to a mobile number believed to belong to his personal driver.
After perusing the inquiry file submitted by the EACC, the DPP was satisfied that there was sufficient evidence to charge Kabeabea under the Anti-Bribery Act, 2023. He is expected in court today before the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court.
Kabeabea was arrested last Friday after EACC officers searched his house and office. The commission says this may not be an isolated case. During the ongoing probe, investigators reportedly uncovered another incident from October in which he allegedly demanded Ksh10 million from a different company and received Ksh8 million.
In that case, too, he is accused of using the threat of counterfeit-related charges to push for payment.
Kabeabea served in Parliament between 2017 and 2022 as the MP for Tigania East. He is currently held at the Integrity Centre Police Station as officers continue to record statements and piece together the full extent of the alleged scheme.
