Media personality Willis Raburu is still waiting for the Sh6.5 million he was awarded in a 2022 copyright infringement case against Airtel Kenya.
The former Citizen TV presenter and event promoter sued the telecom giant for using his trademark, “Bazu,” to promote its “Bazu Bundle” without permission.
Willis Raburu argued that the use of his trademark misled the public into believing he endorsed the bundle, which harmed his business and caused confusion among consumers.
Despite Airtel Kenya’s defense that Raburu’s suit was an attempt at “quick enrichment,” Magistrate Rawlings Lilum Musiega ruled in his favor.
Willis Raburu was awarded Ksh1.5 million in general damages and Ksh5 million in special damages for lost royalties.
Airtel, dissatisfied with the ruling, has appealed the decision in the High Court, claiming Raburu’s case lacks merit.
Last Thursday, the court confirmed Airtel’s intention to submit further documents before the final judgment is made on March 26, 2025.
Raburu’s legal battle highlights the ongoing struggle for artists and individuals to protect their intellectual property, even as the case remains unresolved.
What Led To The Legal Battle Between Willis Raburu and Airtel
In a landmark ruling, the Milimani Commercial Court ordered Airtel Kenya Limited to pay media personality Willis Raburu KSh5 million in special damages, plus an additional KSh1.5 million in general damages, after the company used his trademark, “Bazu,” without permission.
The legal battle began on June 24, 2022, when Willis Raburu filed a lawsuit against Airtel for using his trademark to promote their new “Bazu Bundle” plan.
Raburu, through his lawyer Victor Orandi of Mathew and Partners Advocates, initially took the case to the High Court. However, the matter was transferred to the magistrates court on May 9, 2023.
In his ruling on March 11, 2024, Magistrate Rawlings Musiega found Airtel guilty of infringing on Raburu’s trademark and awarded him KSh5 million in special damages.
This was intended to compensate Raburu for the potential license fees he lost due to Airtel’s unauthorized use of his trademark.
Additionally, the court ordered Airtel to pay Raburu KSh1.5 million in general damages. The ruling also issued a permanent injunction, prohibiting Airtel—and its directors, officers, employees, and agents—from using Raburu’s registered trademark, No. 116744, or any similar mark that could cause confusion or deception.
Airtel Kenya was granted a 45-day stay of execution, within which they could file an appeal.
