Why Willis Raburu Lost the Ksh 6.5 Million ‘Bazu’ Trademark Case Against Airtel

Kenyan media personality Willis Raburu, popularly known as “Bazu,” recently suffered a legal setback after the High Court overturned a Ksh 6.5 million payout he had previously been awarded in a case against Airtel Kenya. The ruling brought an unexpected twist to a high-profile intellectual property dispute that had captured the attention of Kenyans across social media and entertainment circles.

The Origin of the “Bazu” Trademark Dispute

The controversy began when Willis Raburu, a former Citizen TV presenter, claimed that Airtel Kenya had unlawfully used his popular nickname “Bazu” in one of their marketing campaigns. Raburu argued that the telco leveraged his personal brand and catchphrase “Bazu” — a term widely associated with his music and public image — without authorization or compensation.

In 2023, Raburu filed a complaint before the Chief Magistrate’s Court, alleging that Airtel had violated his intellectual property rights by commercializing the name “Bazu” in their advertisements. The court initially ruled in his favor, awarding him Ksh 6.5 million in damages for the unauthorized use of his registered trademark.

The decision was celebrated by many as a major win for content creators and public figures in Kenya, emphasizing that even popular nicknames could be legally protected trademarks.

Airtel’s Appeal and the High Court’s Decision

However, Airtel Kenya swiftly appealed the decision, arguing that the Chief Magistrate’s Court lacked jurisdiction to hear and determine trademark disputes under Kenyan law. According to Airtel’s legal team, such matters fall exclusively under the Industrial Property Tribunal (IPT) and the High Court, as provided for in the Trademarks Act.

In October 2025, Justice Linus Kassan of the High Court agreed with Airtel’s position, ruling that the magistrate’s court had no legal authority to preside over trademark disputes. Consequently, the earlier decision awarding Raburu Ksh 6.5 million was quashed, and the case was struck out entirely.

Justice Kassan clarified that while Raburu’s claim may have had merit, it was filed before the wrong court, rendering the entire proceedings invalid. This meant that Raburu lost the compensation, not necessarily because his claim was weak, but due to a procedural technicality — jurisdiction.

What This Means for Trademark Owners in Kenya

The Willis Raburu “Bazu” case has sparked discussions about how Kenyan creators, influencers, and entrepreneurs handle trademark registration and protection. It serves as a strong reminder that while owning a brand name or slogan is powerful, one must understand where and how to litigate when infringement occurs.

Under Kenyan law:

• Trademark disputes must be filed before the Industrial Property Tribunal or the High Court.
• Filing in a lower court, even with strong evidence, can lead to dismissal due to lack of jurisdiction.
• Registered trademarks must be actively monitored to prevent unauthorized use.

Raburu’s case also highlights the importance of legal guidance when pursuing intellectual property claims. Many Kenyan celebrities have coined popular slang terms or stage names that later gain commercial value, but without proper legal protection and correct filing procedures, they risk losing out on compensation.

The Bigger Picture: “Bazu” Beyond the Courtroom

Despite the legal setback, the term “Bazu” remains deeply tied to Willis Raburu’s identity as an entertainer, journalist, and musician. He has used it across his music projects, social media branding, and merchandise, turning it into a signature symbol of confidence and success.

While he may have lost the court battle, the “Bazu” brand continues to thrive in Kenya’s entertainment space — a testament to Raburu’s resilience and cultural impact.

Conclusion

Willis Raburu’s loss of the Ksh 6.5 million ‘Bazu’ payout from Airtel underscores a critical lesson for Kenyan creatives and business owners: intellectual property battles are won not only on merit but also on legal precision.
Before launching or defending a brand name, ensure your rights are registered properly — and that your case is filed in the right court.

For now, the “Bazu” story serves as both a cautionary tale and an inspiration — reminding creators that protecting their brand is as important as building it.