The Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) has dismissed claims that it had fired its Chief Executive Officer, Ezekiel Mutua.
This followed reports that MCSK had dismissed Mutua effective April 3 and had even warned the public against engaging with him on official matters regarding the organisation.
However, in a statement on Friday, May 9, MCSK Chairman Ephantus Wahome Kamau refuted the claims, maintaining that Mutua remains the CEO and that the firing allegations were part of a smear campaign he blamed on former directors.
"The MCSK has noted with concern a false and malicious public notice published in the Daily Nation, which wrongly claims that Dr. Ezekiel Mutua is no longer the Chief Executive Officer of MCSK," the statement read in part.
"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 February 16 and who have no authority to speak or act on behalf of the Society,'' the statement said further.
According to MCSK, the former directors are campaigning against Mutua after he allegedly refused to approve over Ksh200 million in alleged arrears that they wanted to be paid as they exited office in February.
Wahome said MCSK is happy with Mutua's leadership and supports him fully.
"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," the chairman said.
He called on Kenyans and other relevant stakeholders to disregard the notice making rounds on social media, saying those behind it are out to mislead and disrupt the society's operations.
"MCSK operates under lawful governance and strategic direction, serving its members, rights holders, users, and all stakeholders."
Meanwhile, MCSK has demanded that the Daily Nation publication issue a public apology for publishing the notice it termed as fake. Further, the society has warned of legal action if the publication does not apologize.
"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,'' the statement said.
