Popular media personality Willis Raburu, a household name in Kenya, recently made headlines after winning a lawsuit against a prominent telecommunications company. The case revolved around the unauthorized use of his trademarked word “Bazu,” a term that has become synonymous with his identity, especially among his fan base. The court awarded Raburu Ksh 6.5 million in damages, a significant victory that has put him in the spotlight once again.
The Origin of “Bazu”
The name “Bazu” gained widespread recognition during Raburu’s tenure as the host of the popular TV show 10 Over 10. The term was further popularized by the Kenyan music group Ethic through their hit song, which coincided with Raburu’s media presence. As the term grew in popularity, Raburu saw the need to protect it as his intellectual property, leading him to trademark the name.
“Shout out to Ethic when the song came out and I was doing 10 Over 10 at the time, and then everybody just started calling me ‘Bazu.’ It became a part of my identity,” Raburu shared in an interview. He also emphasized the importance of intellectual property rights, noting that securing the trademark was a wise decision. “It’s just important to patent your stuff. I found out about KIPI, and how they make the announcement. And give you 60 days if nobody has a claim, then boom, unapewa certificate,” he explained, referring to the Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI).
The Lawsuit and Victory
On March 11th, Raburu took to social media to announce his victory in the lawsuit. The telecommunications company in question had used the word “Bazu” in its marketing campaigns without seeking his permission, prompting Raburu to take legal action. The court ruled in his favor, awarding him Ksh 6.5 million in compensation. However, the company was given a chance to appeal the decision, which they did, albeit after the deadline.
“They haven’t paid yet,” Raburu said during a recent interview on the Mic Cheque Podcast. “They were given a chance to appeal, albeit late, but they did.”
Plans for the Ksh 6.5 Million
While Raburu is still waiting for the outcome of the appeal, he has already given some thought to how he will use the money. Speaking candidly on the podcast, Raburu shared his intentions, reflecting a mix of financial wisdom and personal indulgence.
“Well… I’m definitely wiser than I was before. Of course, I’ll make sure the kids and family are secure,” he stated, highlighting the importance of securing his family’s future. Raburu also mentioned that he would invest part of the money, hinting at plans he has been contemplating for some time. “So, I will definitely invest in a couple of things I’ve been thinking about and dreaming about,” he added.
However, Raburu didn’t shy away from admitting that a portion of the money would be spent on what he described as “fun stuff.” With a wide grin, he confessed, “Hiyo hata haiko, men whoa, get me some shoes, have some fun, do something, hiyo,” holding his mouth as if trying to contain his excitement.
Conclusion
Willis Raburu’s victory in the lawsuit is a testament to the importance of protecting one’s intellectual property, especially in the fast-paced world of media and entertainment. As he waits for the final outcome of the case, Raburu’s plans for the Ksh 6.5 million reflect a balance between prudent financial management and enjoying the fruits of his hard work. Whether it’s securing his family’s future, making wise investments, or indulging in a bit of fun, Raburu’s next steps will be watched closely by his fans and followers.
