The Boyz 2 Men show that took place in June 2023 in Nairobi is still haunting Stanbic Bank. Now, the High Court in Nairobi has allowed a suit that has been made the Consumer Federation of Kenya (COFEK).
COFEK is suing to force Stanbic Bank to refund people who attended the show money over what has been described as poor show planning and an experience that did not match what was promised for the show.
The show had been a costly affair with the cheapest ticket going for Sh. 8,000. VIP tickets at Sh. 15,000, and VVIP at Sh. 30,000. However, the Boyz 2 Men show under the Stanbic Yetu Festival was ruined by rain and bad sound systems.
Attendees lamented that they could not hear the sound from the back of the tents, and the farther one went, the worse the whole shindig got. In some instances, complete verses sang by the famous 90s R&B boy band went unheard.
Hersi: How Kenya Airways pilots sabotage the loss-making national airline
Following many complaints, Radio Africa, which had partnered with Stanbic Bank to host the show issued an apology.
“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.”
By this time, COFEK had invited formal complaints with the intention 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 raised preliminary objections. These objections have now been dismissed by Justice Lawrence Mugambi paving the way 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.
