Confusion abounded after conflicting reports regarding the operational status of the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) CEO, Ezekiel Mutua were released to the public.
In one newspaper Public Notice, published in the Daily Nation, a team, that signed off as the MCSK ‘Board of Directors’, notified the public that Mutua was no longer the society’s CEO, claiming that he ceased being an employee effective 3rd May 2025.
The notice went on to caution members of the public from engaging with Mutua, adding that the supposed former CEO had, after his exit, refused to surrender several items belonging to the company.
It read in part: “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 added, “DISCLAIMER is hereby issued that MCSK shall not be held liable for any loss, damage or injury incurred for transacting with Ezekiel Mutua.”
Mutua was accused of refusing to surrender the official car and the company’s social media platforms.
“The said Ezekiel Mutua has refused/or declined to surrender back the following company property in his possession after his dismissal from employment with MCSK: 1) Motor/Vehicle: Toyota Prado TX. Regd. No. KDK 158X (BLACK IN COLOUR). 2) All official MCSK Social Media accounts,” they stated.
However, yet another notice was quickly issued in support of the CEO.
The new notice was highly critical of the initial newspaper alert, reiterating that Mutua was still the bona fide MCSK CEO and that the previous notice was not just “false and malicious” but that it was also pushed by former directors whose terms ended on February 16, 2025.
It read in part: “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 fresh notice went on to reveal the genesis of the sensational claims of Mutua’s dismissal from office, claiming that the former directors’ beef with Mutua stemmed from Mutua’s refusal to “approve over Ksh. 200 million in alleged arrears” that the former directors wanted as payment after their exit from office.
It read: “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 new notice, signed by Ephantus Wahome Kamau, the MCSK National Chairman, also stated that the new board firmly supported Ezekiel Mutua, terming his leadership ‘excellent’.
“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 went on.
“It is worth noting that the same Board rated Dr. Mutua as “Excellent” in their final performance evaluation, and the current Board has renewed his contract in recognition of his exemplary leadership.”
Further, they warned the Daily Nation of dire legal consequences if they failed to offer a public apology for publishing the ‘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.
Mutua was appointed as the MCSK CEO in March 2022, following a competitive recruitment process.
Before joining MCSK, Mutua served as CEO of the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) until August 2021.
