Flaqo Raz, a well-known Kenyan influencer, has taken legal action against smartphone brand Oppo Kenya and marketing agency Afluence following a payment dispute that has remained unresolved for months. The influencer, who has built a significant presence through his social media and promotional content, expressed his frustrations publicly on February 5, 2025, accusing the two parties of failing to compensate him for work completed months ago.
The issue dates back to an AI event promotion for Oppo Kenya in August 2024, for which Flaqo’s team was contracted to create content. According to Flaqo, his team was under immense pressure to produce three months’ worth of promotional content in just two weeks. Despite the intense workload and the timely delivery of the materials, five months later, they have yet to receive any payment. Flaqo voiced his dissatisfaction through an Instagram story, describing the situation as “unacceptable” and criticizing both Oppo Kenya and Afluence for not honoring the agreed terms.
A key point of contention in the dispute is Oppo Kenya’s claim that they had already settled payments with Afluence. Flaqo rejected this notion, arguing that since the content directly contributed to Oppo’s brand awareness and success, the smartphone company should not try to distance itself from responsibility. He further stated that it was unfair for Oppo to evade accountability and leave his team unpaid for the work done on their behalf.
The situation took another turn when Flaqo’s legal team conducted an investigation into Afluence. The findings revealed that the agency had possibly vacated its office and may no longer be operational, raising further concerns about the agency’s reliability. Flaqo placed some of the blame on Oppo Kenya for failing to vet the marketing agency properly, stating that it was their responsibility to ensure they were working with a competent and dependable partner.
This case is just one example of the recurring problem of delayed payments in the influencer marketing industry. Content creators like Flaqo, who invest significant time and resources into creating promotional material, often find themselves frustrated when payment issues arise. The situation now remains in legal limbo, and it is unclear whether Oppo Kenya and Afluence will take action to resolve the issue or if the dispute will escalate further through legal channels.
As this case unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the importance of clear contracts and accountability in the influencer marketing industry. It is also a cautionary tale for both brands and influencers about the potential risks involved in working with unreliable agencies.
