Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) CEO Ezekiel Mutua has categorically refuted claims circulating on social media suggesting he has been suspended. In a firm response on Monday morning, Mutua dismissed the allegations as baseless and the product of individuals opposed to his efforts to enforce legal compliance within the society.
Mutua emphasized his commitment to remaining in office, stating unequivocally: “Let me therefore set the record straight: I am in office and I have neither been sacked nor suspended.”
The allegations stemmed from a notice circulating over the weekend, falsely claiming that Mutua had been relieved of his duties and prohibited from conducting business on behalf of MCSK. The purported notice read, in part, “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.”
Mutua Dismisses the Allegations as Propaganda
Speaking to The Star, Mutua described the notice as maliciously fabricated by detractors opposed to his leadership reforms. He asserted that such decisions, if legitimate, would not occur over a weekend and reiterated that MCSK’s disciplinary procedures are clearly outlined.
“There is no suspension. CEOs are not suspended on a weekend,” he remarked, adding that while there are ongoing leadership disputes within the organization, they primarily concern elected Directors in non-executive positions.
Mutua attributed the campaign against him to his firm stance on barring individuals from accessing the office without adhering to proper procedures. He described this as his “crime” in the eyes of those circulating the false claims.
MCSK Chairperson Supports Mutua
MCSK National Chairperson Lazarus Muli echoed Mutua’s sentiments, denouncing the suspension notice as “insidious propaganda”. Muli condemned the individuals behind the misinformation campaign, suggesting they are motivated by self-interest and opposition to the changes brought about under Mutua’s leadership.
According to Muli, Mutua and his team have revitalized an industry previously mired in mismanagement and exploitation. He acknowledged that such progress often invites resistance but assured stakeholders that the leadership remains steadfast in its support of the CEO.
Muli further stated, “In the meantime, our members and stakeholders can rest assured that Mutua is in charge and the MCSK leadership is fully behind him.”
Action Against Propagators of Misinformation
Muli also revealed that MCSK is taking legal steps against those responsible for the defamatory notice. He assured stakeholders that appropriate measures are being implemented to hold the perpetrators accountable under the law.
“This is therefore to request MCSK members and stakeholders to dismiss the propaganda being peddled with the contempt it deserves,” he said.
Leadership Wrangles at MCSK
While Mutua acknowledged ongoing disputes within MCSK, he clarified that these issues do not pertain to the CEO or other staff members, who are not subject to elections. He reiterated that any disciplinary measures must follow established procedures and cannot be arbitrarily executed.
Mutua’s tenure as CEO has been characterized by efforts to restore order and integrity to MCSK, a move that has reportedly ruffled feathers among those accustomed to operating outside the law.
Conclusion
As the situation unfolds, it is evident that Mutua retains the backing of MCSK’s leadership and the trust of many stakeholders. The organization’s leadership has called for vigilance against misinformation while assuring members that their efforts to protect the society’s reputation and enforce compliance remain unwavering.
For now, Ezekiel Mutua remains at the helm of MCSK, resolute in his mission to bring transformative change to Kenya’s music copyright sector.
