Ezekiel Mutua To Sue Daily Nation After Refusing To Heed To MCSK's Demand
Mutua said he plans to sue the media outlet for disregarding a legal demand from his lawyers, which requested a public apology for publishing a misleading article that falsely claimed he had been fired.
Marvin Chege 
Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) CEO Ezekiel Mutua has warned that he will take legal action against Nation Media Group (NMG) for failing to issue an apology over what he claims was a false report.
In a statement released on Saturday, May 10, Mutua said he plans to sue the media outlet for disregarding a legal demand from his lawyers, which requested a public apology for publishing a misleading article that falsely claimed he had been fired.
The former Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) boss had opened up on how he found out about a fake notice claiming he was fired, to which he sought the apology from the Daily Nation for running the notice on its local newspaper despite initially informing the media outlet that the information was false.
Mutua disclosed that he noticed unauthorized withdrawals from the organization's bank account the night before — one of which was a payment made to the media outlet.
The famous Twin Towers, headquarters of the Nation Media Group, in Nairobi. /FACEBOOK
"On Thursday, I learned that a malicious advert targeting me was set to appear in the Daily Nation. After investigating, I confirmed this was true, especially since the previous evening we had detected unauthorised withdrawals from our bank account, including a payment to the Nation," he stated in part.
He said that after spotting the suspicious transactions, he immediately reported the issue to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI)’s Banking Fraud Unit.
He also reached out to Nation Media, where he spoke with top executives, explained the situation, and provided information about the alleged fraud and the planned defamatory publication.
"They (Daily Nation) acknowledged the advert artwork was prepared and payment received, but assured me they would not publish it after receiving my letter," he continued.
However, Mutua would only learn of the advert gaining nationwide attention when he, to his shock, received several notifications in the midnight hours from Kenyans who told him about the fake notice ran on the newspaper, which was trending online hours later.
"Yesterday, my lawyers sent a demand letter for a retraction and apology, which the Nation has ignored. We will now resolve this matter in court," he vowed.
Mutua's latest move came after MCSK demanded that the Daily Nation issue a public apology for publishing the fake notice which announced that Mutua's role ended on April 3, and even cautioned members of the public not to interact with him on any official matters related to the organisation.
But in a statement on Friday, May 9, MCSK Chairman Ephantus Wahome Kamau dismissed the claims, insisting that Mutua is still the CEO and labelling the dismissal reports as a smear campaign orchestrated by former board members.
"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 16th February 2025 and who have no authority to speak or act on behalf of the Society," the statement read in part.
"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. MCSK continues to operate under lawful governance and strategic direction, serving our members, rights holders, users, and all stakeholders."
MCSK claimed the former directors launched a campaign against Mutua after he reportedly declined to authorise over Ksh200 million in alleged exit arrears they demanded upon leaving office in February. Wahome stated that MCSK is satisfied with Mutua’s leadership and stands firmly behind him.
