Former Citizen TV presenter Willis Raburu has taken legal action against East African Breweries Limited (EABL) over unpaid performance fees amounting to Ksh10 million.
Raburu’s legal team revealed on Wednesday morning that their client has filed an urgent case in the High Court to enforce his rights, citing an alleged breach of contract by the beverage manufacturer.
According to the lawyers, Raburu entered into an agreement with EABL through his company and fulfilled all contractual obligations.
Willis Raburu Takes Legal Action Against EABL for Outstanding Ksh10 Million. Photo: Courtesy.
Despite this, he has not received payment or any communication from the company regarding the outstanding fees since December 7, 2024.
The legal team further indicated that EABL appears to be avoiding liability by claiming the contract was never signed.
They argued, however, that the law recognizes the contract as valid based on offer, acceptance, and performance, which obligates the company to make the payment.
The non-payment has affected Raburu beyond finances, with suppliers and fellow artists mistakenly believing he withheld their dues, harming his reputation.
He noted that the legal action is part of a broader push to defend creative rights in Kenya, after over a year of attempting to resolve the matter privately.
Raburu acknowledged the challenge of confronting a major corporation that funds many industries but stressed that injustice must be challenged.
His legal team noted a pattern of well-funded brands signing contracts with artists without honoring payments, even as local music consumption in Kenya rises, leaving creatives financially vulnerable.
