How celebrities reacted to NACADA’s proposed alcohol marketing ban
By Paulette Mboga, July 31, 2025Kenya’s National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) sparked widespread debate this week after releasing a proposal recommending a ban on influencers and celebrities from advertising alcoholic products online.
The proposed policy has ignited strong reactions across the entertainment industry, with prominent figures voicing concern over the implications of such a move on both free expression and livelihoods.
Eddie Butita
Renowned comedian and content creator Eddie Butita released a formal statement dated July 30, 2025, voicing his disappointment with NACADA’s approach.
“I am deeply concerned by NACADA’s recent decision to ban influencers and celebrities from marketing alcohol products online,” Butita said. “While their intent to curb alcohol abuse is valid, the approach taken is misguided, uninformed and fails to involve key stakeholders, especially content creators.”
Butita emphasised that responsible alcohol marketing already exists and that many influencers, including himself, adhere to strict codes of conduct like those provided by EABL. “I have seen first-hand how marketing codes ensure influencers promote safe, informed messaging,” he added.
Femi One
Rapper and entrepreneur Femi One was blunt in her assessment of the situation. Through her platforms, she challenged creatives who often avoid political discourse.
“I hope all the creatives who are always on the fence and avoid speaking out for or against this regime to ‘protect their brand’ understand this. Whether you do politics or not, politics will always affect you,” she said.
Her statement suggests a deeper frustration within the creative industry about ongoing government restrictions targeting digital entrepreneurship.
Charisma
Singer Charisma offered a more radical take, framing the proposed alcohol ban as a response to online resistance.
“People have used their platforms to beat the government, and this is them clapping back,” he stated. “That ban on betting influencing and now alcohol influencing is a political move. This thing is deeper than what people think. I am going to do a video on it soon. It is political warfare.”
Amid the uproar, NACADA has since clarified that the recommendations are not yet law.
“These measures are currently policing recommendations, not law. Their inclusion aims to initiate legal and regulatory reviews subject to proper procedures,” NACADA said in a post on social media. “We want to urge the media and the public to treat this policy as what it is — a roadmap, not an enforcement measure.”