Lawyer Linda Kiome nominated as Meru Deputy Governor

Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma M'Ethingia has nominated lawyer Linda Kiome to serve as his deputy, pending vetting and approval by the Meru County Assembly.

Kiome, currently a member of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Selection Panel, was appointed in January as the panel's vice-chairperson, deputizing Nelson Makanda.

She was previously the running mate of former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi in the 2022 Meru gubernatorial race.

Her political involvement dates back to her tenure as acting president of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) after Nelson Havi was ousted in January 2022. She also chaired the LSK Mt. Kenya caucus and served on the boards of Meru National Polytechnic and Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital.

Kiome's nomination comes just days after Mutuma was sworn in as governor following the impeachment of his predecessor, Kawira Mwangaza.

Mwangaza has vowed to challenge her removal in court, claiming her impeachment was politically motivated and aimed at silencing a woman in leadership.

"My impeachment was not a reflection of my performance or integrity but a calculated move by male chauvinists, political competitors, and for political expediency, a complicit National Government willing to silence a woman who dared to lead," Mwangaza stated on Facebook.

Meanwhile, a Bill before the Senate seeks to define the roles of deputy governors to ensure they are fully engaged in county governance.

The County Government Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, outlines the responsibilities of deputy governors, aiming to prevent governors from sidelining them in leadership decisions.

If passed, the law will require deputy governors to oversee county government operations, implement executive committee decisions, and represent the county at national and intergovernmental meetings.

They will also be tasked with engaging the public on governance matters and ensuring financial accountability in county affairs.

Deputy governors appointed to executive committee roles will be responsible for recommending policies to the governor and answering questions before the county assembly regarding county development projects.

The Bill also proposes amendments to the Intergovernmental Relations Act to grant deputy governors representation in the National and County Government Coordinating Summit.