Kingo’ri Wamabaki is a UK-based entrepreneur making waves with his brand, Muratelia Wine—a refined version of the popular Kenyan traditional brew, muratina. Widely enjoyed by people from Central Kenya, muratina has deep cultural significance, and Wamabaki saw an opportunity to introduce it to a global audience.
The Journey to Entrepreneurship
Born and raised in Central Kenya, Wamabaki was always fascinated by how people relished muratina. However, after relocating to the UK nearly three decades ago, he found himself longing for aspects of his Kenyan heritage—especially its distinctive beverages. This nostalgia, combined with his business acumen, inspired him to create a modern version of muratina tailored for both Kenyan expatriates and British consumers.
In 2019, armed with a Master’s degree in Economics, Wamabaki took a bold step—he quit his full-time job to fully dedicate himself to building his wine brand. Operating from Cheshunt, England, he meticulously brews and packages Muratelia in compliance with British laws before releasing it into the market.
What Makes Muratelia Unique?
Unlike traditional muratina, which is typically served in cow horns as per Kikuyu customs, Muratelia is crafted with a premium touch. The muratina fruit remains a key ingredient, but Wamabaki enhances the flavor profile to appeal to international consumers.
“Muratina fruit is central to the preparation, giving the drink a unique fruity taste. Our stylish packaging is designed to attract both Kenyan and British clientele,” he stated on his website.
Beyond Muratelia, Wamabaki envisions expanding his brand by creating more beverages inspired by traditional Kenyan recipes. “Our goal is to blend cultural heritage with market insights to develop premium drinks that elevate customer experiences,” he adds.
The Brewing Process & Market Success
The production process involves soaking muratina fruit in a sealed container filled with water and honey to facilitate fermentation. Unlike the traditional method, Wamabaki refines the process, adding extra flavors to cater to his diverse audience.
After rigorous quality checks, UK authorities certified Muratelia as a high-standard beverage, giving it a competitive edge in the market. Priced at Ksh 1,495 per bottle, the wine is exclusively sold to individuals aged 35 and above.
Through Muratelia, Kingo’ri Wamabaki has not only introduced a piece of Kenyan tradition to the world but also positioned himself as a trailblazer in the wine industry.
