Court Orders EABL to Deposit Ksh10 Million Security in Raburu Commercial Dispute

The Milimani Commercial Magistrate’s Court has ordered East African Breweries (EABL) to deposit KSh 10 million as security pending the hearing and determination of a commercial dispute filed by media personality Willis Raburu and his company, Steizon Limited. 

In a ruling delivered on July 23, Senior Principal Magistrate Anne Nyoike directed EABL, the second defendant in the suit, to deposit the amount into a joint interest-earning account operated by advocates for both parties. The court also dismissed EABL’s objection that the case was sub judice due to related proceedings before the High Court. 

The dispute enters on an alleged oral agreement under which Steizon claims it was engaged by Game Changer Marketing Limited allegedly acting as EABL’s agent to provide influencer marketing, digital promotion, content creation, logistics and event coordination for the Furaha City Festival held on December 7, 2024. Steizon maintains the services were valued at KSh 10 million. 

According to court documents, Steizon produced over 60 promotional reels and more than 100 static social media posts reaching over a million users, while also coordinating artists and more than 50 influencers for the event. Despite full delivery of the agreed work and submission of a post-event report, the firm says it was never paid. 

Game Changer Marketing has denied entering into any agreement with Steizon for the Furaha event, arguing its only dealings involved a separate Campus Activation Campaign that had already been paid for. EABL similarly denied liability, contending that the festival was the culmination of its broader Wabebe campaign with a total budget of KSh 10 million that had already been fully settled. 

In a statement released following the ruling, Raburu described the decision as an important milestone in the pursuit of justice. “I welcome this ruling as an important milestone in our pursuit of justice. The court has ordered the 2nd Defendant, EABL, to deposit KSh 10 million into a joint account held by counsel for both parties pending the hearing and determination of the suit. The court also dismissed the objection that sought to halt these proceedings on the basis of sub judice,” Raburu said.

He added: “While this is not the final determination of the matter, it is a significant step forward and reinforces our confidence in the independence of Kenya’s Judiciary and the rule of law. We have always maintained that this dispute should be resolved through the courts, and the decision demonstrates that the judicial process remains a credible avenue for accountability and justice.”

Raburu extended appreciation to his legal team, Danstan Omari & Associates Advocates, for their professionalism and commitment. Raburu said he hopes the ruling sends a powerful message to Kenya’s creative industry, entrepreneurs, and innovators.

“Too often, creatives feel powerless when faced with contractual disputes involving larger corporations. This ruling is a reminder that the courts remain an avenue for justice, that contracts matter, and that no one should be discouraged from seeking legal redress when they believe they have been wronged.”

“Even reaching this stage is a victory not just for me, but for every creative who has wondered whether pursuing justice is worth the fight. It affirms that the legal system can protect the rights of creators and businesses alike, and that justice is possible when one remains steadfast. As the matter proceeds, we will continue to respect the court process . We remain confident that the facts and the law will ultimately prevail,” Raburu stated.