The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) chairman, Josphat Gichunge Kabeabea, has been charged with soliciting and receiving Ksh5 million bribe, in a case that has placed one of the country’s top anti-counterfeit officials at the centre of an alleged corruption scheme.

Gichunge appeared before the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court on Monday, where the prosecution, led by Wesley Nyamache informed Celesa Okore, the senior principal Magistrate that he unlawfully sought monetary gain from a businessman identified as Du Zhisheng.

According to the charge sheet, the bribe was allegedly demanded in exchange for favourable treatment in a matter involving suspected counterfeit motor vehicle spare parts.

The prosecutors informed the court that the alleged offence occurred on the 11th of November 2025 and that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) approved the charges after going through the evidence gathered by the investigating officers.

According to the prosecuting counsel, the investigators believe that the money was sought to act as an inducement to influence an ongoing case involving enforcement actions by the authority.

Gichunge however denied all the charges, maintaining that he did not solicit any bribe and therefore dismissing the accusations as baseless.

He was released on a 2 million bond with an alternative cash bail of 1 million shillings.

As part of his release terms, the court ordered him to deposit his passport, restricting foreign travel. He was also barred from interfering with prosecution witnesses, to ensure the integrity of the case.

The matter has been scheduled for mention on the 8th of December 2025, when the court is expected to give further directions including potential timeline for pre-trial processes.