A section of Kenyans have filed a lawsuit against Radio Africa and Stanbic Bank over the debacle witnessed at the June 2023 Boyz 2 Men Show at Uhuru Gardens.
The High Court in Nairobi has allowed a suit that has been made by the Consumer Federation of Kenya (COFEK) against the two organisations for failing to deliver a great show as promised to the R n’ B group’s fans.
COFEK is seeking to have the court compel Stanbic Bank to refund people who had a bad experience of the show, as they felt duped over its poor planning with substandard sound quality and blank screens.
Their frustrations further brewed over the cost of the event, with the cheapest ticket going for Kshs 8,000, VIP tickets at Kshs 15.000, and VVIP at Kshs 30,000.
Attendees expressed disappointment that the sound quality deteriorated towards the rear of the tents, resulting in complete verses from the popular R&B boy band going unheard in some cases.
Radio Africa which had collaborated with Stanbic Bank in the event was compelled to issue an apology following mass outrage by disgruntled fans.
“We would like to address the concerns and frustrations expressed especially regarding the sound quality in the General Arena at our recent concert and the other concerns raised. We sincerely apologize for falling short of your expectations with regards particularly to the sound quality and layout in the General Arena,” a statement read.
“We have engaged experienced sound engineers and technical experts to analyze the situation thoroughly. We are committed to rectifying these issues and ensuring that all future concerts deliver the exceptional audio and layout experience you deserve.”
An apology could not suffice and COFEK proceeded to invite formal complaints with the iteration of suing for refunds over the Boyz 2 Men concert.
When the case was filed, Stanbic Bank, Radio Africa and Homeboyz Radio who were all part of the show countered the grievances through filing their own preliminary objections. These objections were dismissed by Justice Lawrence Mugambi to allow for a hearing.
“From the foregoing analysis and guided by the cited law and principles, it is my humble take that the respondents’ preliminary objections have not met the legal threshold of preliminary objection; hence, they must all fail and are hereby dismissed,” Justice Mugambi ruled.
COFEK’s petition to the court alleged a significant deviation from the advertised show, contending that the organizers thereby infringed upon the rights of consumers present at the event. Consequently, COFEK argued that consumers were entitled to a refund of their money.
“That this Honourable Court be pleased to order that 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Respondents refund revelers, being represented by the Petitioner, who paid for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Respondents event styled Stanbic Yetu Festival and which event was held on Saturday, June 10, 2023, within 14 days,” the petition by COFEK stated.
The show also included performances by Sauti Sol who were arguably the best act of the night, and managed to make the night a little more memorable after performing their hits like ‘Still The One’ and ‘Feel My Love’. It was after their set that everything went left, leaving many revellers who had spent their hard-earned cash regretful that they attended the show.
