Tribunal Orders Ezekiel Mutua to Refund KSh27.6M Over Illegal Salary Hike

The State Corporations Appeal Tribunal has directed former Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) CEO Dr. Ezekiel Mutua to refund KSh27,612,360 received through unauthorized salary and allowance increases during his tenure.

In a ruling delivered this week, the tribunal found that Dr. Mutua’s pay was irregularly raised from KSh348,840 to KSh1,115,850, nearly triple the salary cap of KSh480,000 set by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).

The controversial adjustment, made in 2019 during his second term in office, was based on an illegal resolution by the KFCB board, a move that went ahead despite being rejected by the Ministry concerned.

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The decision enabled Mutua to unlawfully pocket millions in public funds, according to the tribunal’s findings. The board’s defiance of established salary structures and the lack of SRC approval rendered the payments illegal.

In a bid to keep the funds, Dr. Mutua filed a petition arguing that he was entitled to the salary he had received. However, the tribunal dismissed his claims, ruling that he failed to justify the excess payments and had no lawful basis to retain the money.

This ruling adds to growing scrutiny over financial accountability in state corporations, where irregular compensation schemes have repeatedly triggered public concern and institutional audits.