Why Willis Raburu Hasn’t Received the Sh6.5 Million Awarded in a Copyright Lawsuit
Media personality Willis Raburu has yet to receive the Sh6.5 million awarded to him by a magistrate’s court last year in a copyright infringement case against telecom company Airtel Kenya.
On June 24, 2022, Raburu, formerly a presenter at Citizen TV and now an event promoter, successfully sued Airtel Kenya for using his trademark “Bazu” to promote its “Bazu Bundle” plan. He argued that the public mistakenly believed he had endorsed Airtel, causing confusion and negatively impacting his business.
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Airtel Kenya countered the claim, stating that Raburu was pursuing the lawsuit merely for financial gain and that the case lacked merit. However, Magistrate Rawlings Lilum Musiega ruled in Raburu’s favor, affirming his exclusive rights to the trademark as its registered owner.
“I find and hold that the plaintiff has proven the defendant’s liability for infringement and passing off of the trademark ‘Bazu.’ Considering the authorities cited by the plaintiff, I assess general damages at Ksh1.5 million,” Magistrate Musiega stated. Additionally, Raburu was awarded Sh5 million in special damages for the potential royalties Airtel Kenya could have paid him instead of engaging in infringing activities.
Dissatisfied with the ruling, Airtel Kenya has since appealed the judgment in the High Court before Justice Linus Pogh’on Kassan. The company maintains that Raburu’s lawsuit is a bid for quick financial gain.
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During a mention of the case last Thursday, Airtel Kenya’s lawyer, Alvin Muhandick, informed the court that the company would not file further submissions and requested a judgment date. Raburu’s lawyer, Victor Orandi, agreed with the request.
Justice Kassan scheduled the judgment for March 26, 2025, during which both parties will return to court to hear the High Court’s decision on the appeal.
