The case is redolent of a 1994 landmark legal action against McDonald's in New Mexico, when 79-year-old Stella Liebeck was awarded over $2.8 million after spilling hot coffee on herself.

A California jury ruled that Starbucks must pay $50 million (approx. Ksh. 6.5 billion) in damages to a delivery driver who suffered serious burns from an improperly secured lid on a hot beverage.