Tensions flared at the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) offices in Nairobi when newly elected board members were allegedly denied access and subjected to harassment, reportedly on the orders of MCSK CEO Dr. Ezekiel Mutua.
The dramatic incident unfolded as the new members attempted to assume their roles following an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) that saw their election to the board.
The new board members accused Dr. Mutua of orchestrating their mistreatment, claiming they were locked in a room and confronted by armed goons.
According to Cornelius Macharia, an artist and one of the newly elected board members, the goons, who were allegedly armed with knives, were instructed to intimidate them through physical violence, including beatings and tearing their clothes.
“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 stated.
He further revealed that the goons were accompanied by police officers from Kileleshwa Police Station, adding to the group’s sense of vulnerability.
Macharia has since recorded a statement at Kileleshwa Police Station, where he reported the assault and obtained an Occurrence Book (OB) number as evidence of the incident.
The altercation has intensified calls for leadership change within MCSK. Ephantus Safari, another member of the society, demanded that MCSK Chairman Lazarus Muli step down, citing his 11-year tenure as unconstitutional.
“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 asserted.
