DCI and EACC are set to investigate Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) CEO Ezekiel Mutua over failure to account for Ksh56 million.
This was after the Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) chairperson Joshua Kutuny raised concerns on Wednesday February 21, 2024 over Mutua’s alleged failure to account for Ksh56 million.
Kutuny stated that the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK), Kenya Association of Music Producers (KAMP) and Performers Rights Society of Kenya (PRISK) jointly collected Sh249,687,212.80 in royalties but there were disparities in amounts declared by individual entities.
“While KAMP and PRISK declared a collection of Sh249 million and they accounted for Sh61 million and Sh52.7 million, respectively, MCSK on its part declared receipts of Sh109 million representing a shortfall of Sh26 million,” Kutuny said.
The Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) could not account for the sum of Ksh56 million.
This amount comprises Ksh26 million received from joint collection and Ksh30 million from other CMOs abroad and Google Ireland.
“I wish to address the issue of performance of the licensed Music Collective Management societies in 2023,” read part of Kutuny’s statement.
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“While KAMP and PRISK declared a collection of Ksh249 Million and they accounted for Ksh61 Million and Ksh52.7 million, respectively, MCSK on its part declared receipts of Ksh109 million representing a shortfall of Ksh26 Million.”
There was a sign of disparity in amounts declared by MCSK and those by KAMP and PRISK.
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The Kenya Copyright Board stated that the matter will be handed over to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for investigations.
“My office shall be following up on the progress at both DCI and EACC next week” said Kutuny.
KECOBO has also requested an urgent meeting with the Inspector General of Police and the Ministry of Interior and National Administration to establish a working framework to enable restoration of enforcement for CMOs.