Mutuma assumes Meru’s top seat

A wave of celebration swept through Meru County on Monday as Isaac Mutuma M’Ethingia took the oath of office, officially becoming the fourth governor.

Cheers and dancing spread through the Mwendantu Grounds as residents and leaders welcomed the transition, marking the end of months of political uncertainty following the impeachment of his predecessor, Kawira Mwangaza.

In his oath, Mutuma pledged to serve the county with dedication and integrity.

“I solemnly swear to truly and diligently serve the people of Kenya under the office of the governor of Meru,” he declared.

Mutuma, who had been deputy governor since 2022, assumed office after a court upheld Mwangaza’s impeachment on March 14, 2025.

The Senate had removed her on August 21, 2024, citing gross misconduct and constitutional violations. Of the senators who participated in the motion, 26 voted for her removal, while 14 abstained and four opposed.

Meru leaders are now urging the new governor to restore stability in a county that has experienced political turmoil since Mwangaza’s election in 2022.

“For the last two years, Meru has been divided. His first responsibility is to see how he can unite the people of Meru and the leadership,” said Majority Whip Jim Muchui.

Muchui also called on Mutuma to address the county’s budget, which had stalled under the previous administration.

“We also expect the governor to immediately submit the supplementary budget in the Assembly because there is an itemized budget we did, and the former governor blatantly refused to implement it,” he said.

Mutuma has a diverse background in public service. Before becoming deputy governor, he served as a senior officer in the Kenya Prisons Service.

He also has experience in community leadership, having been a reverend in the Methodist Church of Kenya and a child rights advocate with Plan International.

His leadership style has been influenced by his late father, who was a longtime chairman of both the Meru and Kenya Council of Elders.

Mutuma holds a higher diploma in forensic psychology and criminology from the Kenya Institute of Studies in Criminal Justice and a bachelor’s degree in theology from Kenya Methodist University.

He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in governance and ethics at Mount Kenya University.

Meanwhile, Mwangaza has announced her departure from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and plans to launch a new political party next week.

She has also appealed the High Court ruling that upheld her impeachment, signaling her continued fight to challenge her removal.

As Mutuma takes over, Meru residents are looking forward to a period of unity and improved governance.