Anti-Counterfeit Authority chair charged with receiving bribes, released on Ksh.2M bond

Kabeabea is accused of demanding and receiving money from Chinese national Du Zhisheng on November 11, 2025, in exchange for halting enforcement action against him for purportedly dealing in counterfeit motor vehicle spare parts.

According to the charge sheet, the accused allegedly sought Ksh.5 million from the complainant to prevent his arrest and prosecution.

In the second count, he is said to have demanded Ksh.1 million, while the third count alleges he requested a further Ksh.300,000.

The fourth count states that he received Ksh.144,500 through a mobile number registered to Ntorui Erastus Kaibi, money believed to be part of the bribery arrangement.  Kabeabea denied all the charges.

During the bail hearing, the prosecution said it did not oppose the accused’s release but urged the court to impose bail terms reflecting the seriousness of the allegations.

The State also requested that the accused be barred from interfering with witnesses, refrain from making public comments on the case, and deposit his passport in court. 

Defence counsel Okatch welcomed the State’s position not to oppose bail but objected to calls for enhanced bail. He argued that bail should not be pegged on the alleged bribe amount.

In her ruling, the magistrate said the conditions sought by the prosecution were intended to safeguard the case and did not prejudice the accused, adding that he could apply for temporary release of his passport if he needed to travel.

She further directed that parties refrain from making adverse public or media commentaries since the matter is before the court.

The magistrate ordered that the accused be released on a Ksh.2 million bond or Ksh.1 million cash bail. The prosecution was directed to supply witness statements within 14 days.

Kabeabea was ordered to deposit his passport in court, and he is barred from interfering with witnesses or commenting on the case, including on social media.