Pay Ksh200K Or Spend 5 Years In Jail For Using 'Riggy G'

The Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI) accepted an application by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on April 30 to trademark the moniker ‘Riggy G.’

In a document shared by the institute, the deputy president applied for the trademark on November 10, 2022, which is aimed at blocking individuals from using the nickname without his permission.

Kenyans who contravene the trademark law and use the nickname without permission risk being fined Ksh200,000 or sentenced to five years in jail., according to the Trademark Act.

“Any person who sells or imports any goods or performs any services to which a registered trade mark is falsely applied shall be guilty of an offence. 

"The person is also liable to a fine not exceeding two hundred thousand shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or to both,” the Act reads in part. 

According to the organization, unless someone files a valid opposition, DP Gachagua will have full rights to use the “Riggy G” nickname in all types of printed material, clothing and headgear, and entertainment events, among others.

The document barred individuals from using the phrase in printed matter or photographs, including “certain goods made of paper or cardboard not otherwise classified by function or purpose; figurines and works of art of paper or cardboard.

“Framed or unframed lithographs, paintings and watercolours; address stamps; booklets; advertisement boards; magazines; packaging material; paper bags, envelopes and containers for packaging,” the document read in part.

Kenyans were also barred from using it in clothing, footwear and headgear while “providing of training; sporting and cultural activities; coaching or training, arranging and conducting of congresses; organization of competitions."

"The use of the phrase will also be prohibited during the “organisation of sports competition; publication of texts; publication of books; providing online electronic publications; the online publication of electronic books and journal; entertainment,” KIPI indicated.

Gachagua's nickname, Riggy G, was coined by Ivy Chelimo as far back as the deputy presidential debate in July 2022 as she was impressed by his performance against his counterpart candidate, Martha Karua of the Azimio la Umoja coalition. 

The lifestyle influencer, content creator and law graduate from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) shared a post on Twitter which at that time read "Riggy G amekataa kutaja freedom (Riggy G has refused to mention Uhuru)" which was made to mean that Gachagua refused to mention Uhuru during the debate.

It began gaining traction as the days went by but became mainstream during Gachagua's hard-hitting inaugural speech at Uhuru's administration for leaving the economy dilapidated. Kenyans On Twitter (KOT) started using the 'Riggy G' nickname and the origin, being Chelimo, was identified, turning her into an online celebrity overnight.