Isaac Mutuma sworn in as new Meru governor
Mr Isaac Mutuma is the new governor of Meru after being sworn in on Monday to replace his former boss, Kawira Mwangaza.
Last week, the High Court upheld Ms Mwangaza's impeachment, paving the way for Mr Mutuma to take over the county's leadership.
Hundreds of residents thronged Mwendantu grounds in Meru town as early as 6am to see him sworn in as the fourth county boss since devolution began in 2013.
Mr Mutuma, a pastor, took the oath of office shortly after 10am in an event presided over by High Court judge Anthony Kimani.
Isaac Mutuma signs documents during his swearing in as new Meru governor on March 17, 2025.
In a show of solidarity, the ceremony was attended by both current and former Meru leaders, including former governor Kiraitu Murungi.
However, Ms Mwangaza skipped the ceremony and was not available to hand over the instruments of power.
Mr Mutuma was sworn in while political activist Mike Makarina went to the High Court in Meru to stop the swearing-in ceremony.
Mr Makarina, through a certificate of urgency, has sued the Assumption of Office Committee and its chairperson for violating the Assumption of the Office of County Governor Act, 2019.
People attend the swearing in ceremony of Isaac Mutuma as the new Meru governor on March 17, 2025.
In the petition filed before Justice Heston Mbogo, Mr Makarina argues that the gazettement of the assumption of office of governor committee and the swearing-in ceremony are unconstitutional.
"The two gazette notices, as published, are in contravention of the provisions of Article 182 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 and as operationalised by sections 5 and 11 of the Assumption of the Office of Governor Act, 2019 providing for a strict procedure and timelines to be adhered to," the petition reads.
He argues that the 10 days provided for in the law should have started to run from March 14, 2025 when the High Court gave its decision.
"Regardless, no first meeting has been conducted by the 1st and 2nd respondents to discuss, agree and plan on the date, time and venue of the swearing in ceremony as is required in section 5 (6) and (7) of the Assumption of the Office of the Governor Act, 2019," Mr Makarina says.
He wanted the court to give an experte conservatory order until the matter is heard and determined.
Justice Mbogo certified the matter as urgent but did not issue any orders.