Former Citizen TV presenter Willis Raburu has taken legal action against East African Breweries Limited (EABL) over claims of unpaid performance fees totaling Ksh10 million.
Raburu's legal team addressed the media on Wednesday morning, revealing that their client has moved to the High Court with urgency to enforce his rights following an alleged breach of contract by the alcoholic beverages manufacturer.
According to the legal representatives, Raburu entered into a contract with EABL through his company and fulfilled all contractual obligations. However, since December 7, 2024, the media personality has not received payment nor any communication from the company regarding the outstanding fees.
"Our client, through his company, enforced the contract, performed its obligations, and delivered what was required. However, since 7th December 2024, our client has not been paid, and there has been no communication," the legal team stated.
The lawyers further alleged that EABL is attempting to evade liability by claiming the contract was never signed on their part. However, they argued that the law recognizes the validity of the agreement based on offer, acceptance, and performance, which necessitates payment.
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The non-payment has had severe consequences for Raburu beyond financial loss. His legal team revealed that he is facing harassment from suppliers and fellow artists who believe he has been paid but refused to remit their dues.
"This has caused him not only financial loss but also his reputation of his brand is at the mercy of EABL owing to the fact that they have a stronger financial muscle over artists," the lawyers noted.
Speaking at the press conference, Raburu emphasized that the legal action represents a broader fight for creative rights in Kenya. He revealed that for over a year, he has attempted to resolve the matter professionally through proper channels while keeping it out of the public eye.
"People must begin to respect the creators of this country. This is the big corporations, the SMEs, everybody must begin to respect the creators of this country," Raburu stated.
The media personality acknowledged the difficult position of taking on a major corporation that heavily funds various industries, including media, through sponsorships. However, he insisted that injustice must be confronted regardless of financial power dynamics.
"That does not mean that because of that we cower away in fear because injustice is injustice," Raburu said, calling on fellow creatives who may be experiencing similar treatment to take necessary legal steps.
His legal team highlighted a troubling pattern where big brands with substantial financial resources enter contracts with artists but refuse to honor payment obligations, leaving the creative industry in financial distress.
They pointed to recent data showing that Kenyans are increasingly consuming local music, arguing that artists should not be treated as the ‘lowest in the food chain.’
"We are calling upon them to act right and respect each and everyone's rights. No one is above the law irrespective of your financial muscle, irrespective of the brand that you have," the legal team emphasized.
