Nairobi, Kenya – October 9, 2025 A Nairobi-based lawyer has filed a formal complaint with the Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) over the Blankets & Wine Festival held on September 28, 2025, at the Laureate Grounds in Kasarani, alleging unfair trade practices and consumer exploitation.
Lawyer Francis Wanjiku wants the authority to investigate the festival organizers under Section 9 of the Competition Act (Cap. 504), arguing that paying revellers were subjected to a poorly managed and misleading experience that failed to match the event’s advertised premium standards.
The festival, headlined by Afrobeats superstar Tems, drew thousands of fans but was plagued by widespread complaints of distorted sound, delayed performances, and chaotic scheduling.
Festival Chaos and Public Outrage
Attendees reported that headline acts performed out of order, with the programme running hours behind schedule. There were also concerns about late bar openings, resulting in long queues and near-stampede incidents.
“The experience was far below what was marketed. Consumers paid for a premium event but got a disorganized concert instead,” Wanjiku stated in his petition.
He now wants the CAK to probe the organizers for false advertising and unfair trade practices, and to compensate affected revellers for what he described as a “shoddy and disappointing event experience.”
Consumer Rights Under Scrutiny
If upheld, the complaint could set a precedent for accountability in Kenya’s live entertainment industry, where consumers have increasingly voiced frustrations over event mismanagement and poor service delivery.
CAK is yet to issue an official statement regarding the complaint.
