Renowned independent filmmaker and television producer Sheila Mulinya has filed a landmark lawsuit against the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) at the Milimani High Court, alleging blatant copyright infringement and unauthorized use of her original TV programme concept.
The suit, lodged through her lawyers J. I. Khayumbi & Company Advocates, targets KBC Managing Director Agnes Kalekye Nguna, TV Programmes Manager Michael Ndetei, producers Samwel Muchiri and Frank Mutoka, as well as social media influencer Racheal “Pika na Raych” Gitau.
At the heart of the dispute is Mulinya’s 52-episode series titled To Have and To Hold. In 2019, she submitted the pilot episode to Ndetei for consideration, receiving initial interest before all communication abruptly stopped without a formal decision.
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Fast-forward to early 2025, and KBC launched Heart and Soul, a programme Mulinya insists bears striking similarities to her copyrighted material, far beyond mere coincidence.
“This isn’t just my story; it’s a pattern plaguing Kenya’s creative sector,”
Mulinya stated, emphasizing how spec submissions are often exploited without consent, credit, or compensation.
Prior to court action, Mulinya’s team issued a demand letter to KBC’s leadership, but responses failed to resolve the matter, forcing judicial intervention to protect her intellectual property rights.
