The Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) has officially summoned Muthoni Ndonga, the founder of the popular Blankets & Wine festival, following a formal complaint lodged over the event's September 28, 2025 edition. The summons escalates a dispute that began with widespread social media criticism from attendees, alleging that the festival, headlined by Nigerian artist Tems, failed to provide the high-quality experience it marketed, particularly for those who purchased premium tickets.

The investigation by the consumer protection watchdog stems from a complaint filed in October 2025 by lawyer Francis Wanjiku, who attended the event at Kasarani's Laureate Grounds. Wanjiku accused the festival's parent company, GoodTimes Africa, of unfair trade practices under the Competition Act, arguing that the experience did not justify the ticket prices, which ranged from KSh 5,000 for regular access to KSh 60,000 for a premium group package.

In a letter seen by the Nation, the CAK's Consumer Protection Department confirmed the summons, stating it will provide an update once its preliminary assessment is complete. This development marks a significant turn, as Ndonga, popularly known as Muthoni DQ, had stated at a press conference on October 29, 2025, that the organization had not received any legal summons and had only learned of the complaint through media reports.

Allegations of Substandard Service

The core of the complaint revolves around a series of alleged logistical and service failures at the September 28th event. Attendees reported numerous issues, including:

• Poor Sound and Scheduling: Many festival-goers complained of distorted sound and technical glitches that marred performances. The event programme also reportedly ran hours behind schedule, with significant, unexplained delays between acts.
• Inadequate VIP Experience: Patrons who bought 'Soft Life' VIP tickets for KSh 12,000, which promised reserved seating, dedicated bar service, and prime views, reported a starkly different reality. Allegations include a single, understaffed bar leading to wait times of over an hour and a lack of promised amenities.
• Logistical Failures: Widespread complaints also cited the late opening of bars, which caused long queues and near-stampede situations, and a lack of mobile network coverage that hampered digital payments and communication.

The festival is estimated to have drawn a crowd of between 8,000 and 20,000 people. The complainant, Mr. Wanjiku, is seeking full refunds and compensation for all attendees, arguing a significant mismatch between the advertised 'premium standards' and the actual service delivery.

Organizers' Response and Potential Consequences

Prior to the CAK's official summons, Muthoni Ndonga and the GoodTimes Africa team had acknowledged some of the event's shortcomings. In an internal audit, the organizers identified issues such as digital payment congestion, inadequate bar staffing, and a poorly configured VIP layout, pledging improvements for future editions. At the October 29th press conference, Ndonga also noted that her legal team had reached out to the CAK and was informed of "thousands of vexatious claims" that had not been substantiated.

The CAK's investigation, however, signals a formal inquiry into the matter. Should Blankets & Wine be found guilty of violating consumer protection regulations, it could face significant penalties. Under the Competition Act, the authority can impose a financial penalty of up to 10 percent of the preceding year's gross annual turnover. The case is being closely watched as it could set a major precedent for consumer rights and accountability within Kenya's rapidly growing live entertainment and events industry, where complaints about mismanagement and poor service delivery have become increasingly common.

The summons was issued just as Blankets & Wine announced the lineup for its upcoming December 21, 2025 edition, creating a critical juncture for one of East Africa's most prominent cultural brands. The outcome of the CAK's investigation will likely have far-reaching implications for event organizers and consumers across the region.