A cloud of confusion has engulfed the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) following conflicting public notices regarding the position of its CEO, Dr. Ezekiel Mutua. Tension flared after a notice, published in the Daily Nation and signed by individuals claiming to represent MCSK’s Board of Directors, announced that Mutua had ceased to be the organization’s CEO effective May 3, 2025.
The notice cautioned the public against engaging with Mutua, claiming he had refused to surrender company property, including a Toyota Prado TX and control of MCSK’s official social media platforms. It further disassociated the society from any business conducted by Mutua, warning of legal consequences for those who dealt with him under the assumption of his continued authority.
However, the situation took a dramatic turn when a second notice emerged, firmly dismissing the earlier publication as “false and malicious.” This counter-notice, signed by MCSK National Chairman Ephantus Wahome Kamau, clarified that Mutua remains the legitimate CEO of the organization. It asserted that the earlier statement had been orchestrated by former directors whose terms ended on February 16, 2025, and who no longer hold any legal standing within MCSK.
The rebuttal alleged that the smear campaign was motivated by Mutua’s refusal to authorize KSh200 million in alleged exit arrears demanded by the former board members. It emphasized that Mutua’s leadership had been rated “excellent” by the current board, which had since renewed his contract.
In a stern warning, the new leadership threatened legal action against the Daily Nation unless it issued a prominent public apology for publishing the disputed notice. The board maintained that the false claims were intended to destabilize the society and mislead stakeholders.
Dr. Ezekiel Mutua, who took over as MCSK CEO in March 2022 after leaving his position as CEO of the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB), remains at the helm, amid ongoing efforts to resolve the leadership dispute internally and legally.
