President William Ruto has successfully trademarked the phrase 'Mambo ni Matatu,' securing exclusive rights to the popular catchphrase, which has become a symbol of his stance against sugar sector "cartels."

The move ensures that the phrase is now safeguarded as his intellectual property, granting him exclusive control over its use within specific business categories.

The catchphrase, which rose to prominence last month when President Ruto issued a resolute warning to sugar sector "cartels," has since been embraced by various business entities who have emblazoned the words on merchandise such as T-shirts and cups.

This move, however, has prompted President Ruto to assert his rights over the phrase.

The trademark registration document outlines the specific classes of business for which approval must be sought from President Ruto's legal representation, Adrian Kamotho, before using the 'Mambo ni Matatu' phrase.

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These include clothing, footwear, headgear, games and sporting articles, advertising, business management, telecommunications, education, and personal, social, and security services.

Kamotho clarified that businesses operating within the designated categories must now obtain President Ruto's authorization to use the catchphrase, emphasizing that any unauthorized use would constitute a trademark infringement.

"This means that he now has the exclusive use of the phrase," explained Kamotho, underlining the significance of the trademark registration.

The official document further states, "Registration of this mark shall give no right to the exclusive use of the numeral '3' and the device of 'human fingers' per se, each separately and apart from the mark as a whole." Additionally, it provides the English translation of the Kiswahili words 'Mambo ni matatu' as 'Things are three.'

This move by President Ruto signifies the growing importance of intellectual property in contemporary society, as public figures and entities seek to protect their brands and slogans from unauthorized use.

With the trademarking of 'Mambo ni Matatu,' President Ruto solidifies his control over a phrase that has become emblematic of his stance against sugar sector "cartels" and underscores the increasing significance of intellectual property rights in today's world.