Ruto trademarks 'mambo ni matatu' phrase, says lawyer
National
By
Stephanie Wangari
| Oct 11, 2023
The Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI) has allowed President William Ruto to trademark the 'mambo ni matatu' phrase.
President Ruto's lawyer, Adrian Kamotho says registration of the phrase denies other people rights to use the numeral 3 sign.
"Registration of this mark shall give no right to the exclusive use of the numeral '3' and the device of 'human fingers' per se each separately and apart from the mark as a whole," said KIPI.
The swahili phrase that has now become popular among Kenyans loosely translates to "you have three options."
Ruto made the statement last month when he vowed to dismantle cartels in the sugar sub-sector.
A tough-talking Head of State had demanded two investors fighting over control of Mumias sugar company to stop or alternatively move out, go to jail or embark on the journey to heaven.
"Let them withdraw the court case and move out. I have told them there are only three options left; they either move out, go to jail or embark on the journey to heaven," said Ruto amid cheers from the crowd in Mumias West.