President William Ruto has trademarked the ‘mambo ni matatu’ phrase.
This means anyone desiring to use the phrase must seek his consent to avert the legal consequences of property rights infrignement.
The phrase now forms part of Ruto’s intellectual property. It became popular when Ruto gave three options to Sugar cartels in Kenya.
Interesting to note is that the book of Ezra in chapter 7 verse 26 states that, “And whosoever will not do the law of thy God, and the law of the king, let judgment be executed speedily upon him, whether it be unto death, or to banishment, or to confiscation of goods, or to imprisonment.”
These are the same three things Ruto talked about while warning sugar cartels and anyone involved in corruption.
The President said there's no place for cartels killing the sugar industry and those involved will either go to jail, leave the country or ascend to heaven.
His lawyer Adrian Kamotho said approval for use of the ‘mambo ni matatu’ trademark must be sought in relation to certain classes of business including clothing, footwear, headgear, games and sporting articles.
Advertising, business management, telecommunciations, education, personal, social and security services must also seek approval.
Kamotho said businesses in the nature of those cited may only use the phrase with the permission of Ruto.
"Unauthorised use of the phrase would amount to a trademark breach,” he said