African Originals, a Nairobi-based company producing ciders, gins, and iced teas, has accused East African Breweries Limited (EABL) of engaging in smear campaigns, resulting in a tougher business environment and loss of market share. They claim EABL launched a competing product line called Manyatta, leading to further complications such as the suspension of their production license by the Kenyan Revenue Authority (KRA). African Originals alleges that EABL staff have maligned their products and influenced retailers not to display them.

They also suggest that EABL may have instigated a social media smear campaign through a platform called Wowzi. Interestingly, Wowzi was selected to join Diageo PLC’s growth accelerator program, Fusion by Diageo, in February, which is associated with EABL. African Originals has sought legal assistance and reached out to Diageo’s UK headquarters for clarification. EABL has denied the allegations and requested African Originals to retract their statements, emphasizing their commitment to ethical business practices and fair competition.