Meru Deputy Governor Isaac Mutuma to be sworn in as governor on March 17
Meru Deputy Governor Isaac Mutuma during a press conference on November 9, 2022.
What you need to know:
- A gazette notice published late Friday indicates that the ceremony will take place at Mwendantu grounds in Meru town starting at 8:30am.
- Meru County Commissioner Jacob Ouma said security has been enhanced in all county government critical installations to avert any breaches.
Meru Deputy Governor Isaac Mutuma will be sworn into office of Governor on Monday, March 17 morning following the decision of the high court to uphold the impeachment of Kawira Mwangaza.
A gazette notice published late Friday indicates that the swearing-in ceremony will take place at Mwendantu grounds in Meru town starting at 8:30am.
The notice was published by Assumption of the Office of the Governor Committee chairperson Martin Gitije, who was elected in acting capacity during the committee's first meeting.
According to the Assumption of Office of County Governor Act, 2019, the County Secretary should serve as chairperson, but Mr Kiambi Atheru, who is facing impeachment by the county assembly was absent in the first meeting.
Mr Gitiye also gazetted the 13 members of the ad-hoc who are tasked with ensuring a smooth transition.
Plans kicked off to swear in Mr Mutuma immediately after Justice Bahati Mwamuye affirmed the gazette notice published on August 21, 2024, declaring a vacancy in the office of Meru governor.
Even as Ms Mwangaza scrambled her legal team to challenge the high court decision, the governor’s official vehicle and security was withdrawn.
Meru County Commissioner Jacob Ouma said security has been enhanced in all county government critical installations to avert any breaches.
On Friday, March 14, hundreds of Meru residents poured into the streets of various towns to celebrate the outcome of the court proceedings.
Celebrations rocked Laare, Maua, Mikinduri, Meru and Nkubu towns amid reports that the committee on the assumption of the office of the governor had already convened to prepare the swearing-in of the deputy governor.
Exuberant residents mobbed the county headquarters in celebrations amid calls for a smooth change of guard in the county.
In Maua and Laare, the backyard of Meru Deputy Governor Isaac Mutuma, hundreds of boda boda riders took to the streets to celebrate the decision.
“This is a great day for Meru County leadership. We laud the MCAs who have stood with the rule of law despite various odds. We thank the court for standing by the law. We look forward to effective service delivery under the new leadership,” Mr Jacob Mantili, a resident of Laare said.
However, a section of residents expressed dissatisfaction with the court decision terming it a dark day for the county.
“I am shocked by the decision of the high court. It is very unfair to the governor since she has been doing a lot to alleviate poverty in the county. This decision has strengthened the enemies of women leadership,” Joy Kaanja said.
Ms Faith Karambu, a resident, said Meru County was relieved by the judgement of the high court.
“This fight has had nothing to do with gender bias. It has been a struggle to do away with bad governance. As a woman in Meru, we laud the court,” Ms Karambu said.
Mr Eric Mutwiri said the impeached governor had denied young people their opportunities through unfair allocation of resources.
Abogeta West MCA Dennis Kiogora, one of the critics of the governor, said the judgement was a culmination of a two-year fight against bad governance.
“We laud the judiciary for upholding the will of the people,” he said.
Meru Assembly Minority leader Mwenda Ithili said Meru had lost its respect in the national circles due to the persistent wrangling.
“We will be moving with speed to investigate the executive on allegations of massive misappropriation of public funds. There has been no work despite a lot of money being allocated,” he said.
dmuchui@ke.nationmedia.com