Power struggle rocks MCSK as rival factions clash over CEO Ezekiel Mutua’s ouster
Signed by MCSK National Chairman Ephantus Wahome Kamau, the rebuttal stated that Mutua remained the legitimate CEO, and dismissed the earlier claim as false and malicious.
A dramatic leadership dispute has erupted at the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK), with rival groups issuing contradictory statements about the status of Chief Executive Officer Ezekiel Mutua.
The controversy began with a paid notice in the Daily Nation on Friday, signed by individuals identifying themselves as the MCSK Board of Directors. The notice claimed Mutua had ceased to be the CEO, effective May 3, 2025, and accused him of clinging to official property after his dismissal.
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“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,” the notice read.
It also warned the public not to engage with him, adding, “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 specifically accused of failing to return a black Toyota Prado TX (registration KDK 158X) and all official MCSK social media accounts.
Shortly after, a separate and strongly worded notice surfaced defending Mutua.
Signed by MCSK National Chairman Ephantus Wahome Kamau, the rebuttal stated that Mutua remained the legitimate CEO, and dismissed the earlier claim as false and malicious.
“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 statement read.
Sh200 million for former director
It also claimed that the falling-out arose after Mutua refused to authorise over Sh200 million in payments that the former directors wanted to receive upon leaving office.
“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 Sh200 million in alleged arrears that the former directors wanted to be paid as they exited office in February,” the notice stated.
The new notice went further to express full backing for Mutua’s leadership and issued a stern warning to the Daily Nation for publishing the initial notice.
“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,” it added.
The notice stated that Mutua had received an “Excellent” rating from the board and had his contract renewed based on his performance.
“It is worth noting that the same board rated Mutua as ‘Excellent’ in their final performance evaluation, and the current Board has renewed his contract in recognition of his exemplary leadership,” it stated.
Demanding an apology from the Nation, the board stated, “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.”
Mutua, who joined MCSK in March 2022 through a competitive process, previously served as the CEO of the Kenya Film Classification Board until August 2021. His appointment was widely publicised and backed by the then board.
As the situation continues to unfold, stakeholders are watching closely to see how MCSK will address the deepening divide within its leadership.
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