A KCA student has threatened to sue Safaricom over breach of copyright on 'Auto Okoa'.
Denis Ireri, a KCA student, pursuing CPA has given Safaricom an ultimatum of 14 days to respond on infringement of copyright on 'Talk Mo', failure to which he will head to the court.
Speaking on Tuesday afternoon at Barclays Sports Club, Ruaraka, Ireri claimed that Safaricom stole his idea of 'Talk Mo' and changed it to Auto Okoa, which has since been flagged off from its Okoa Jahazi subscription.
Ireri said that he had written to the Safaricom CEO through his lawyer George Ambayi, but Safaricom is yet to reply.
Also, Denis Ireri noted that he copyrighted the idea with the Kenya Copyright Board on 9 August 2018.
He later submitted the 'Talk Mo' idea on 10 August to the Safaricom Zindua platform; a platform where you are given a chance to present ideas.
He waited for a reply but did not get an answer, only for him to write to Safaricom CEO regarding the 'Talk Mo' idea. On 27 August, He was told by Safaricom that they had the same idea 'Auto Okoa'.
"I confirmed with the Copyright Board on 30 August when I picked my certificate of 'Talk Mo' and I was told that no one had patented the same idea," said Denis Ireri.
"To my surprise, I was shocked when Safaricom launched 'Auto Okoa' in three phases on 3 September, the same idea that I had shared with Safaricom on Zindua platform," added Ireri
After seeking advice, he wrote to Safaricom through his lawyer George Ambayi, only for Safaricom to withdraw the service of Auto Okoa.
He stated that Safaricom has since deactivated the Auto Okoa option which appeared in option seven upon dialling *131#.
In addition, Ireri has not heard from Safaricom regarding the issue since his complaint.
"We need justice for Denis, it is unfortunate Safaricom can use our idea without compensation, we shall seek legal redress in the next 14 days if they don't respond," said Isaac Wambua, Saku Chairman.
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