Court Told How EABL Has Exploited Artists, Influencers in Campaigns

A bitter legal battle has erupted at the Milimani Law Courts where lawyers representing media personality Willis Raburu have accused East African Breweries Limited of systematically exploiting artists and influencers in its marketing campaigns.

The allegations emerged during proceedings in which Steizon Limited, a digital communication company owned by Raburu, is suing EABL and its marketing agent Game Changer Marketing Limited for allegedly withholding KSh10 million owed for work delivered during the Furaha City Festival held on December 7, 2024.

Lawyer Martina Swiga, part of the legal team acting for Steizon alongside Danstan Omari, told the court that the non-payment represents a gross violation of artists’ rights and contractual obligations.

She described the case as emblematic of a broader pattern where corporate entities engage creative professionals for major campaigns but fail to honour payment agreements.

According to court documents, Steizon entered into a binding agreement with Game Changer Marketing Limited, which was acting as EABL’s agent, to provide comprehensive promotional and event coordination services for what was marketed as the Wabebe Experience during the festival.

The scope of work was extensive.

Steizon claims it delivered influencer engagement, digital promotion, brand visibility enhancement, logistical execution, security collaboration, media coordination and full event management.

The company says it produced over 60 video reels, more than 100 static posts, and achieved a social media reach exceeding one million users.

In a sworn statement filed before the High Court in Nairobi, Willis Wayne Raburu, director of Steizon Limited, detailed his personal involvement in the project.

He said he supervised teams, coordinated artists and influencers, oversaw media production and ensured smooth execution of the event.

Despite fulfilling all contractual obligations, Raburu told the court, the agreed payment of KSh10 million has never been remitted.

He said after the event concluded, Steizon was instructed to prepare a detailed report to facilitate payment processing.

The company complied and submitted the report, only for Game Changer Marketing to allegedly redirect them to another entity rather than settling the outstanding dues.

The legal team argues that such practices have become disturbingly common in Kenya’s creative industry, where artists and content creators invest significant resources, time and talent into corporate campaigns only to face payment delays or outright refusal to honour agreements.

Raburu’s lawyers told the court that the failure to pay has caused severe financial strain on Steizon Limited.

Beyond the immediate monetary loss, they argue the company’s reputation has been tarnished, affecting its ability to secure future contracts and maintain operational stability.

Steizon is now asking the court to declare the contract binding and enforceable.

The company wants both Game Changer Marketing Limited and EABL compelled to jointly and severally pay the outstanding KSh10 million. Additionally, Steizon is seeking damages for financial losses suffered and compensation for reputational harm.

The case has drawn attention to the power imbalance between major corporations and creative professionals in Kenya’s advertising and events industry.

Legal experts say many artists and influencers work without proper written contracts or legal representation, making them vulnerable to exploitation.

Industry observers note that while brands readily leverage the reach and influence of content creators to drive sales and brand visibility, payment disputes remain a persistent challenge.

In many instances, creative professionals lack the resources to pursue legal action against well-funded corporations, leading to a cycle where such practices continue unchecked.

The lawsuit against EABL, one of Kenya’s most prominent corporate entities, signals a potential shift where artists are increasingly willing to seek legal redress for unpaid work.

The outcome of this case could set an important precedent for how contractual obligations between brands and creative professionals are enforced in future.

EABL and Game Changer Marketing Limited had not filed their responses to the suit at the time of going to press.

The matter is pending before the High Court, with parties expected to appear for directions in the coming weeks.