The Music Copyright Society of Kenya Limited (MCSK) has announced legal action against individuals spreading false information on social media alleging the dismissal of its CEO, Dr. Ezekiel Mutua.
Speaking at a media briefing, MCSK Chairman Dr. Lazarus Muli reaffirmed the board’s unwavering confidence in Dr. Mutua’s leadership.
“The MCSK board strongly condemns the malicious propaganda being circulated about our CEO by individuals purporting to be board members. We have initiated legal proceedings against those responsible for these defamatory attacks,” stated Dr. Muli.
He says Dr. Mutua has achieved so much during his two years at the helm of the institution.
“Dr. Mutua has brought charisma, vibrancy and visibility to MCSK and generally to the Kenyan music industry. His enthusiasm and commitment to promoting musical talents and defending the rights of artists has brought a positive change on the importance of music in Kenya. Dr. Mutua is a highly experienced professional with passion and love for the music industry and has brought his local and international networks to bear in promoting MCSK members and the music industry as a whole,” he said.
Dr. Muli, further said that the Board has taken legal action against the culprits for the irregular and unlawful actions that resulted in unprocedural changes to the records of the Company.
“These people are being used by cartels who want to misappropriate the hundreds of millions of shillings collected through the Private Copying Remuneration (Blank Tape Levy). They are also involved in engaging a new licensing system that is managed by cartels who are out to fleece musicians,” he added.
“Their actions of causing to be issued, published and circulating false and derogatory public notice and statements are defamatory and the Board of Directors of MCSK shall fully support Dr. Ezekiel Mutua in instituting legal action against them.”
The response came just a day after Dr. Mutua dismissed a notice claiming that he had been suspended from office.
According to Dr. Mutua the notice circulating on social media should be treated with the caution it deserves.
He described the notice as fake saying it was drafted by people who are opposed to his bid to enforce compliance with the law at the society.
“There is no suspension. CEOs are not suspended on a weekend,” he said.
“Let me therefore set the record straight: I am in office and I have neither been sacked nor suspended.”
He admitted that while there are leadership wrangles in MCSK, they only touch on the Directors who hold elected non-executive positions.
“The CEO and staff are not elected and there are clear procedures for disciplinary actions. The only crime I have committed against these people is to bar them from getting into the office without following the right procedure.
The notice in question had claimed that Mutua had been suspended and was not allowed to conduct businesses related to the society.
“This is to inform the general public, stakeholders and our esteemed members that Ezekiel Mutua (whose photo appears above), has been suspended and is NOT allowed to conduct business on behalf of MCSK,” it read in part.
