Willis Raburu is celebrating a significant milestone in his legal dispute with East African Breweries PLC (EABL) after a Nairobi court ordered the beverage giant to deposit KSh10 million in a joint interest-earning account managed by lawyers representing both parties.
The ruling sparked widespread reactions online, with many Kenyans assuming the former TV journalist had already been awarded the money. However, that is not the case.
The court’s directive is a procedural step as the commercial dispute continues, with the final verdict yet to be delivered.
At the heart of the lawsuit is an alleged unpaid commercial agreement between Raburu’s company and EABL.
According to court filings, Raburu claims his company was contracted to provide advertising, marketing and promotional services for EABL in relation to the Furahiday/Furaha City Festival campaign.
He alleges that his team successfully delivered the agreed services but that EABL failed to honour the payment agreement. Raburu is therefore seeking KSh10 million, which he says is owed for the work completed.
On its part, EABL has disputed the claim, setting the stage for a legal showdown over whether the agreement was breached and whether the payment is due.
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Why did the court order EABL to deposit KSh10 million?
The court’s latest order has generated plenty of discussion, but it is important to understand what it actually means.
Instead, EABL was directed to deposit the amount into a joint interest-earning account operated by lawyers for both parties. The money will remain untouched until the court hears the case in full and reaches a final determination.
Such orders are designed to preserve the disputed amount while legal proceedings continue, ensuring that the funds remain available depending on the outcome of the case.
What happens next?
The lawsuit is still ongoing, meaning Raburu has not yet been declared the winner.
The court will now examine whether a valid contract existed between the parties, whether Raburu’s company fulfilled its obligations, and whether EABL breached the agreement by failing to make the alleged payment.
Only after hearing evidence from both sides will the court decide whether Raburu is entitled to receive the KSh10 million or whether EABL’s defence succeeds.
Willis Raburu // Instagram
A closely watched commercial case
The dispute has attracted public interest because it involves one of Kenya’s most recognisable media personalities and one of the country’s largest corporate brands.
For Raburu, the latest ruling marks an important legal victory, as it secures the disputed amount while the case proceeds. However, the court order should not be mistaken for a final judgment.
As the case heads to its next phase, all eyes will be on the courtroom to determine whether Raburu will ultimately walk away with the KSh10 million he says his company earned through its work with EABL.
