Written by Lisa Murimi
A cloud of confusion has engulfed the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) following two contradictory public notices regarding the status of its CEO, Dr. Ezekiel Mutua.
On May 7, a startling notice published in the Daily Nation claimed Mutua had been dismissed from his role, effective May 3, 2025.
Signed off by individuals identifying themselves as the MCSK Board of Directors, the notice warned the public against transacting with Mutua and accused him of refusing to return company property, including a Toyota Prado TX and official social media accounts.
“You are therefore cautioned that the said Ezekiel Mutua DOES NOT have any authority to transact any business for and on behalf of MCSK. And hence should be VIGILANT and CAREFUL when dealing with him.” it read.
The notice further disclaimed any liability for dealings conducted with him.
“DISCLAIMER is hereby issued that MCSK shall not be held liable for any loss, damage or injury incurred for transacting with Ezekiel Mutua.”
However, a swift rebuttal followed. A second notice, signed by MCSK National Chairman Ephantus Wahome Kamau, denounced the initial statement as “false and malicious.”
It asserted that Mutua remains the legitimate CEO and that the individuals behind the first notice were disgruntled former directors whose terms ended in February 2025.
“We wish to clarify unequivocally that these allegations are entirely baseless. Dr. Ezekiel Mutua remains the legitimate CEO of MCSK. The individuals behind this notice are former directors whose terms ended on 16th February 2025 and who have no authority to speak or act on behalf of the Society.”
The rebuttal alleged the fallout stemmed from Mutua’s refusal to authorize over KSh200 million in payouts demanded by the outgoing board members.
“We urge the public and stakeholders to disregard misinformation spread by these former officials, who are misrepresenting themselves as directors with the intent to mislead and disrupt the Society’s operations. Their grievances stem from Dr. Mutua’s refusal to approve over KSh200 million in alleged arrears that the former Directors wanted to be paid as they exited office in February.”
“The current Board of Directors, as reflected in the official CR12 records of the Government of Kenya, fully supports Dr. Mutua’s leadership and commends his outstanding performance,”,the statement affirmed, adding that his contract had been renewed following an “excellent” performance review.
The new board also threatened legal action against the Daily Nation for publishing what they termed a defamatory notice.
“Given the gravity of this issue, and having warned the Daily Nation against publishing the defamatory notice, we demand an immediate and prominent public apology from the Nation newspaper. This apology should match the prominence of the original false notice and must not repeat the erroneous claims,” the statement warned.
As the leadership dispute unfolds, the battle for control at MCSK now threatens not just reputations, but the stability of an institution entrusted with protecting artists’ rights—leaving the creative industry and the public anxiously watching for clarity amid the chaos.
