The governance crisis at the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) has descended into farce. In a public notice issued this morning, the MCSK Board of Directors warned the public against transacting with "former" CEO Dr. Ezekiel Mutua, accusing him of masquerading as the society's boss despite his dismissal nine months ago.

The standoff creates a bizarre reality where Mutua continues to occupy the CEO's office and issue directives, while the Board declares him persona non grata. Mutua was ostensibly fired in April 2025, a decision upheld by two High Court rulings. However, the self-styled "moral cop" maintains he is the legal accounting officer, dismissing the board as a "rogue faction."

"He Is On His Own"

"The Society shall not be held liable for any loss incurred from transacting with Ezekiel Mutua," the Board's notice read. They accuse him of clinging to power to conceal irregular expenditures, including a controversial KES 27.6 million salary increment that the State Corporations Appeal Tribunal declared illegal.

• The Standoff: Banks holding MCSK accounts have reportedly frozen operations due to conflicting signatory mandates, paralyzing royalty distributions to thousands of artists.
• The Artists' Pain: "It is the same old story," lamented musician Bahati. "Elephants fight, and the artist's grass suffers." The delay in royalties comes at a critical time, with many artists relying on the January payout for school fees.

Regulatory Intervention Needed?

Industry players are now calling on the Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) to intervene and appoint a caretaker committee. Until the leadership tussle is resolved, the MCSK remains a ship with two captains, sailing in circles while its members drown.