Media personality Willis Raburu has yet to receive the Sh6.5 million awarded to him by a magistrate’s court in a copyright infringement case against Airtel Kenya. The case, which stems from Raburu’s trademark “Bazu” being used by the telecom company to promote its “Bazu Bundle” plan, has been a long-running legal battle that remains unresolved as Airtel Kenya challenges the ruling in the High Court.
Raburu, a former Citizen TV presenter and now an event promoter, successfully sued Airtel Kenya in 2022, claiming that the company’s use of the name “Bazu” caused confusion among the public, leading them to believe that he had endorsed the telecom’s product. He argued that the infringement negatively affected his business, especially as the name “Bazu” is a registered trademark owned by him.
Magistrate Rawlings Lilum Musiega ruled in favor of Raburu, affirming his exclusive rights to the trademark. The court awarded him Sh1.5 million in general damages and an additional Sh5 million in special damages, acknowledging the potential royalties Raburu could have earned if Airtel Kenya had properly licensed the trademark instead of using it without consent.
However, Airtel Kenya has not accepted the judgment. The company filed an appeal in the High Court, contesting the decision and arguing that the case was simply an attempt by Raburu to gain quick financial benefit. Airtel’s lawyer, Alvin Muhandick, informed the court that no further submissions would be made, requesting a judgment date. The High Court, led by Justice Linus Pogh’on Kassan, scheduled the judgment for March 26, 2025, when the appeal will be heard and a final ruling issued.
This means that Raburu’s Sh6.5 million award remains pending, as the outcome of the appeal process will determine whether he will ultimately receive the damages awarded by the lower court. For now, Raburu and his legal team are waiting for the final verdict in March next year, while Airtel Kenya continues to challenge the decision. This case highlights the complexities of trademark rights and the lengthy legal processes involved in resolving copyright disputes, with both parties now in a waiting game for the High Court’s final decision.
