This archive report was first published on 14 October 2021.
Published on October 14, 2021, COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli has filed an application with the Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI) to own exclusive rights to the phrases 'alaa, alaaa and alaaa.'
The application seeks to use the slogan on clothing, footwear, and headgear, with Atwoli stating that the slogan is publicly attributed to him and has no English translation.
"Alaa has no English translation. It is more of a slogan, chant or an exclamation specific and attributed publicly to myself," said Atwoli in his application.
The slogan originated from an interview where Atwoli was discussing Kenya's upcoming general elections, saying "I told you Jeff, I don’t know who is going to be the President but I know who is not going to be the President, Alaa Alaa Alaa."
Since then, the video clip caused a buzz on social media with memes circulating online, and a couple of weeks later, a video clip of Atwoli emerged, introducing a new phrase: "Alaa sasa imekwisha, ile iliyoko sasa ni USISEME, na sisemi mimi! (Alaa has now come to an end, the next viral meme is Husiseme)"
According to KIPI, a trademark is a sign that distinguishes goods of an industrial or commercial enterprise, and registration provides direct evidence of exclusive ownership in Kenya, helping to keep off potential infringers.
