• Cops will no longer accompany Music Copyright Society of Kenya staff in their operations.
Image: EZEKIEL AMING'A
Police officers will no longer accompany staff of the Music Copyright Society of Kenya during operations following extortion claims.
A letter from Inspector General of Police Hilary Mutyambai to DCI George Kinoti, seen by the Star, said staff at the organisation were colluding with officers to extort money from the public.
“No police officer is authorised to accompany any Music Copyright staff while performing their operations,” the letter reads.
Mutyambai explained that his office had learnt that the Music Copyright Society of Kenya staff were colluding with police officers to extort money during raids.
“My office has learnt that members of staff from the Music Copyright Society of Kenya have been hiring police officers to offer security during their operations, and they have been extorting money from members of the public and using police officers as bait to demand more money,” Mutyamai said.
The Inspector General said this malpractice has been tainting the name of the National Police Service.
The letter was also copied to Deputy Inspector General Kenya Police Service Edward Mbugua and Deputy Inspector General Administration Police Service Noor Gabow.
The DCI has since written to all senior staff informing them of the directive and reminding them that it will take effect from the date the letter was authored (August 30, 2019).
The Music Copyright Society of Kenya is a non-profit making organisation for authors, composers and publishers of musical works. Its main mandate is to collect royalties in public performance and broadcasting on behalf of its members and to distribute the same to its members.
The organisation has faced criticism from the business community who accused it of harassment and intimidation. It has also faced allegations of extortion.