Abel Mutua on Why He Turns Down Alcohol and Betting Deals

Celebrated Kenyan filmmaker and content creator Abel Mutua has drawn a line between his brand and the lucrative industries of alcohol and betting, revealing that he deliberately avoids partnerships with them despite the substantial money on offer.

In a candid statement, Mutua explained that corporate Kenya’s biggest spenders in the influencer space are alcohol and betting companies, but he has chosen not to touch them. “I never touch them, go through my page and see if you will find anything,” he said.

He acknowledged that these companies have approached him with “real money” because of the audience he commands, but maintained that his credibility with that audience is non-negotiable. “If I’m not in line with something and I try selling it to you, you will see through my bullsh*t,” he said.

Mutua said that while standing with the people is important, standing with what is right matters more. “It’s good to stand with the people, but it is more important to stand with what is right.”

The filmmaker also took aim at the “Wantam or Tutam” political narrative, which he has repeatedly criticised in recent months as a design intended to box Kenyans into limited choices. In an earlier interview, he described the narrative as a deliberate narrowing of political options. “Nothing happens by chance; hii story yote ya wantam na tutam. It’s a design; they want to box you with their options,” he said.

Mutua argued that changing leadership within the same political establishment will not bring meaningful transformation. “Hakuna change inakuja if Ruto anaingia pale another term, hakuna mabadiliko inakuja, opposition wakiingia hapo hakuna mabadiliko, they are the same, they have been there,” he said.

He questioned how politicians who have served multiple terms could suddenly present themselves as agents of change, arguing that the political class recycles the same faces regardless of the coalition they belong to.

Mutua further stated that anyone currently being pushed by the system is part of the system, which is why genuine change remains elusive.