MCSK BOARD DEFENDS CEO Dr. EZEKIEL MUTUA AMIDST MALICIOUS PROPAGANDA.

BY VICTORIA MOVINE 

Lazarus Muli (second from left) chairman MCSK, Ezekiel Mutua (first from right) CEO MCSK with other MCSK board directors during the briefing today 26, Nov 2024.

The Board of Directors of the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) has today responded strongly to a wave of misinformation circulating on social media over the past weekend regarding the organization’s governance and leadership. In a statement issued on behalf of MCSK’s 16,000 members across the country, the Board emphasized its full support for the CEO, Dr. Ezekiel Mutua, MBS, and the MCSK Management team under his leadership.

Giving the statement, Lazarus Muli, chairman MCSK categorically dismissed the claims made by certain individuals, who the Board accuses of attempting to tarnish the reputation of Dr. Mutua. These individuals, the Board asserts, are part of a broader scheme to undermine the progress made by MCSK, especially under Dr. Mutua’s guidance since his appointment two years ago.

"Dr. Mutua has been an exemplary leader," said Lazarus Muli, chairman MCSK. "His leadership has brought much-needed vibrancy and visibility to the Kenyan music industry. His passion for the arts, coupled with his international networks, has significantly advanced the rights of musicians and the visibility of their work."

The Board expressed its satisfaction with the positive changes Dr. Mutua has ushered in, particularly his work in change management and strategic direction for the society. Since taking the helm, Dr. Mutua has been praised for revitalizing MCSK and strengthening the advocacy for Kenyan artists' rights, a crucial mission that has gained both local and international recognition.

However, the Board also condemned the "malicious propaganda" being spread by a small faction, which it claims is orchestrated by cartels looking to benefit from the misappropriation of funds collected through the Private Copying Remuneration (Blank Tape Levy). These individuals, the Board alleges, are also involved in an illicit push for a new licensing system, one that is being manipulated to fleece musicians.

In response to these attacks, the MCSK Board has initiated legal proceedings against those behind the defamatory propaganda, stating that these individuals are the same ones responsible for halting MCSK elections and submitting fraudulent documents to the Registrar of Companies in a bid to falsely claim directorship within the organization. The matter is currently under investigation by both the police and the courts.

"This unlawful action has not only disrupted the governance of MCSK but has also led to unauthorized changes in the company’s records. We will pursue legal remedies to hold those involved accountable." Said Muli.

The Board also vowed to take disciplinary action against any MCSK members implicated in these unlawful activities, underscoring that such behavior goes against the organization’s established procedures and regulations.

As part of its efforts to restore order, the MCSK Board confirmed that it would be calling for national elections in the coming weeks. A notice for the elections will be issued within the next two weeks, in line with the MCSK Memorandum and Articles of Association. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and the Registrar of Companies have been requested to supervise the election process to ensure transparency and fairness.

At the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM), the Board plans to present the full scope of these issues to MCSK members, emphasizing the importance of maintaining integrity within the organization and safeguarding the interests of artists.

As the legal and procedural matters unfold, the MCSK Board’s message remains clear: it stands firmly behind Dr. Ezekiel Mutua and is committed to defending the rights of musicians and ensuring the continued growth and sustainability of Kenya’s music industry.