- The CS noted that the board has been in office for the last six years.
- Mutua pointed out that the planned AGM is a legal requirement in line with the Companies Act, 2015.
Image: MOSES KURIA/X
Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has allegedly accused the board members of the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) of scheming to extend their term irregularly.
The CS Ministry of Public Service, Performance and Delivery Management CS claimed the board is planning to extend the term during Friday’s Special Annual General meeting.
“This is simply not acceptable and it will not pass. Mambo ni matatu,” Kuria said on X.
The CS noted that the board has been in office for the last six years.
In a swift rejoinder, MCSK CEO Ezekiel Mutua said the Special Annual General Meeting is meant to ratify the society’s elections slated for April.
Mutua pointed out that the meeting is a legal requirement in line with the Companies Act, 2015 adding that MCSK published a notice in the dailies for members to prepare for the same.
“When you say that "it won't happen" does it mean that you intend to disrupt it? Is this not tantamount to abuse of your office CS given that Arts is not your docket? You see neither a musician nor a member of MCSK. What's your interest in a private company's AGM?” Mutua stated.
The Board is led by Chairman Lazarus Muli who is deputised by Joseph Shisia who also acts as Western region director.
Other members include; Japheth Kassanga (Nairobi Region), John Mwangi (Nairobi Region), John Katana (Coast Region) and Simon Kariuki (Central Region).
Paul Maina (Rift Valley Region) James Likembe (Nyanza Region) and James Likembe (Nyanza Region).
Mutua has also differed strongly with Kuria over his plan to rein in Collective Management Organisations (CMOs).
In a statement on X on February 11, Kuria said the State is seeking to make amendments to the Copyright Act to create government-run CMOs in a bid to stamp out corruption.
Mutua stressed that the government could not interfere with the running of CMOs since Kenya is a signatory to an international convention that guarantees CMOs the right to operate without State interference.
CMOs are private not-for-profit entities licensed to collect and distribute royalties for their members.