NAIROBI, Kenya — Former Citizen TV presenter Willis Raburu has filed a lawsuit against East African Breweries Limited (EABL), accusing the regional alcoholic beverages giant of failing to pay him Sh10 million in performance fees.
Raburu’s legal team told journalists on Wednesday that the media personality has moved to the High Court under a certificate of urgency after what they termed as a “clear breach of contract” by EABL.
According to his lawyers, Raburu entered into a performance agreement with the company through his firm, duly executed his obligations, and delivered all required work.
Despite this, they say, no payment has been made since December 7, 2024, and the company allegedly went silent.
“Our client performed his obligations and delivered what was required. However, since 7th December 2024, he has not been paid, and there has been no communication,” the legal team said.
They further claim that EABL is attempting to avoid liability by arguing that the contract was never formally signed on their part.
The lawyers dismissed that position, insisting that Kenyan contract law recognises validity where offer, acceptance, and performance are established — all of which, they argue, are present in this case.
Beyond the unpaid sum, Raburu says the fallout has damaged his reputation. His team revealed that he has been facing pressure and harassment from suppliers and collaborators who assume he was paid but failed to settle their dues.
“This has caused him not only financial loss but reputational damage. His brand is at the mercy of EABL, which has a stronger financial muscle over artists,” they said.
Raburu, speaking during the press briefing, framed the dispute as part of a wider struggle facing Kenyan creatives who often find themselves at the mercy of powerful corporations.
“People must begin to respect the creators of this country — big corporations, SMEs, everybody,” he said, noting that he had attempted for over a year to resolve the matter quietly and professionally.
He acknowledged that going up against a company that sponsors much of Kenya’s entertainment and media landscape is a daunting task, but maintained that “injustice is injustice,” calling on other creatives facing similar situations to seek legal redress.
His legal team echoed those sentiments, warning of a growing trend where well-funded brands enter into agreements with artists but fail to honour payments, undermining the creative sector.
“We are calling upon them to act right and respect everyone’s rights. No one is above the law, irrespective of financial muscle or brand power,” they said.
The case is now before the High Court, with a hearing date expected to be set in the coming days.