Obinna Warns Willy Paul About the Harsh Realities of Running a Liquor Business

Oga Obinna has shared a candid message for singer Willy Paul following the launch of his new liquor store, Pozze Liquor.

In a recent episode of Obinna Updates, the former radio host offered both congratulations and caution, drawing from his personal experience in the bar business.

“Starting a liquor store is exciting, but running one in Kenya is a different story,” Obinna said. “It takes money, grit, and an enormous amount of patience—especially in a system that isn’t always supportive.”

Licences, Bribes, and Daily Struggles

Obinna outlined several challenges that bar owners regularly face, starting with licensing hurdles. Even after acquiring the necessary permits, he warned, business owners often find themselves dealing with law enforcement officers demanding informal payments.

“You might have all your licences in order, but officers will still expect daily bribes—sometimes KSh 200 twice a day,” he revealed. “Many people don’t factor that into their startup costs.”

He also recalled a personal incident where one of his bartenders, known as Nice, was arrested and detained at Kayole Police Station.

“I had to personally go and bail him out. That’s just part of the reality,” he said.

Security and Unpredictable Risks

Obinna emphasized that liquor businesses face frequent security issues, including theft and police raids—sometimes within days of opening. He stressed the importance of having solid connections and sufficient cash reserves to handle unexpected disruptions.

“If you don’t have the right networks, or enough spare cash for emergencies, you’ll struggle,” he said. “This business isn’t for the faint-hearted.”

“There’s Money, But There’s Baggage”

While Obinna acknowledged that the liquor industry can be profitable, he admitted that the risks eventually outweighed the rewards for him.

“Yes, there’s money in alcohol,” he said. “But there’s also a lot of stress. I walked away from my own pub because the burden became too much.”

Pozze Liquor: Willy Paul’s New Venture

Willy Paul, born Wilson Abubakar Radido, officially unveiled Pozze Liquor on May 22, 2025. The store, located at Safari Business Arcade along USIU Road in Nairobi, launched with much fanfare, drawing fans and fellow celebrities.

Ahead of the grand opening, the singer had announced a hiring call for staff with at least two years of experience in the liquor industry.

Though Willy Paul has yet to respond to Obinna’s remarks, the launch of Pozze Liquor has already generated buzz online, with many applauding the artist’s expansion into entrepreneurship.