A new chapter of drama has unfolded at the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK), as newly elected board members allege they were subjected to intimidation and harassment by the society’s leadership. This incident has further deepened the rift within the organization, raising serious questions about the governance and leadership of one of Kenya’s key institutions in the music industry.
The incident occurred at the MCSK offices, where the new board members claim they were denied access to the premises following what they allege were orders from the MCSK CEO, Dr. Ezekiel Mutua. According to the members, their attempts to take over office as legally elected representatives were met with strong resistance, culminating in a confrontation that they described as both violent and intimidating.
Cornelius Macharia, an artist and one of the individuals claiming to have been elected as a new board member in an extraordinary general meeting (EGM), recounted the ordeal, stating that they were forcibly locked up in a room within the MCSK offices. Macharia alleges that armed goons, reportedly called upon by Dr. Mutua, were stationed to intimidate them. These goons, he claims, were armed with knives and instructed to physically harass and intimidate the newly elected members, even resorting to beatings and tearing their clothes.
The presence of police officers from Kileleshwa Police Station, who reportedly accompanied the goons, further complicates the narrative. Macharia, who recorded a statement at the same police station and obtained an OB for assault, expressed his disbelief at the extent to which the situation escalated.
“We held an EGM and it was decided that we have new board members. We even obtained a CR-12, meaning we are legally in office,” Macharia asserted. The CR-12, a legal document issued by the Registrar of Companies, is often used to confirm the identity of current directors of a company, lending credence to the new board members’ claims of legitimacy.
The newly elected members are now calling for the resignation of MCSK Chairman Lazarus Muli, whom they accuse of overstaying his tenure. According to Ephantus Safari, another member who spoke out, Muli has been in office for 11 years, which they argue is unconstitutional. The members believe that new leadership is necessary to steer the society in the right direction, and they see their election as a critical step toward that goal.
“He has been in office for 11 years, which is unconstitutional. We want him to vacate office and allow new leadership at MCSK. Dr. Mutua should as well allow changes at the society. He cannot turn against artists who pay his monthly salary of over one million shillings,” Safari stated.
The incident at MCSK is not an isolated one but rather the latest in a series of controversies that have plagued the society in recent years. The organization, which is responsible for collecting and distributing royalties on behalf of Kenyan musicians, has faced criticism over its leadership, transparency, and the distribution of funds to artists. Many artists have voiced their frustration with what they perceive as a lack of accountability within MCSK, leading to calls for reforms and new leadership.
Dr. Ezekiel Mutua, who took over as CEO of MCSK in 2021, has been a polarizing figure. While some have praised his efforts to professionalize the society and increase revenue, others have criticized his leadership style and the slow pace of reforms. The latest allegations of intimidation and harassment could further damage his reputation and fuel the ongoing unrest within the organization.
As the situation unfolds, the future of MCSK remains uncertain. The newly elected board members are determined to take office and initiate the changes they believe are necessary for the society’s growth and transparency. However, with the current leadership digging in its heels, the conflict is likely to escalate, potentially leading to legal battles and further division within the organization.
For the artists who rely on MCSK for their livelihoods, the stakes are high. They continue to hope for a resolution that will bring stability and fairness to the society, ensuring that their rights and interests are adequately protected.
