What awaits Isaac Mutuma, the new Meru governor
Newly sworn in governor of Meru county Isaac Mutuma.
A few metres from the private home of Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma in Makiri, Maua town, sits an overflowing skip bin surrounded by garbage and flowing sewage.
The roads leading to the home of Mr Mutuma, who has been deputy governor for two years, tell the tale of the bitter fallout with his former boss Kawira Mwangaza.
Mr Mutuma's neighbours, who are now ecstatic, say they were sidelined on matters development since the governor and her deputy could not see eye to eye.
Therefore, when their son was promoted to the county boss on Monday, the weight of the work ahead of him became clear for all to see.
For the last two years, the Meru County government has been a battleground pitting the executive against the assembly.
In his inauguration speech, the new governor stated, “the political grandstanding has come to an instant end”.
Former Governor Kiraitu Murungi said Mr Mutuma has a daunting task of “rebuilding the fallen walls of Meru County”.
“I urge fellow leaders in Meru County to support him in his quest to make Meru great again! Meru is bigger than all of us,” Mr Murungi said.
The new governor’s in-tray is full, starting with ensuring cohesion among the county workforce that had seen unmanaged boardroom wars and internal conflicts in the executive become a public spectacle leading to a demotivated public service.
Mr Mutuma comes in amid an outcry among county workers over unpaid three months’ salaries, ineffective medical cover, disgruntled health workers, a disbanded public service board, delayed development programmes and billions in pending bills.
As a result, the new governor finds a piled-up in-tray in the office.
Coupled with immense pressure for appointments from his supporters and politicians, Mr Mutuma has challenges ahead.
According to Meru Assembly Majority Whip Jim Muchui, the fourth governor should swiftly work on pacifying the divided leadership, workers and residents.
“In the last two years, we have been on a terrible political roller coaster. Governor Mutuma should work on restoring Meru County’s image as a top contributor to Kenya’s GDP. There is a need to bring all elected leaders together so that we can also lobby for national government projects. There is no time to waste,” Mr Muchui said.
He said Mr Mutuma is expected to tone down the negative political rhetoric, ensure coherence and peace in the county.
After taking oath of office, Mr Mutuma was clear that his first assignment was restoring peace and cohesion for better development.
“We have a painful past that we should deliberately choose to forget. Our county has been facing many divisions among leaders. As your governor, the most urgent task is to restore peace and cohesion that is the bedrock of progress. I will reach out to all leaders so that we forge a united front,” governor Mutuma said.
To boost the morale of workers, the Meru County boss promised that there will be no more witchhunt, intimidation and un-procedural transfers at the workplace.
“We will strategically heal the wounds, retool and realign staff with their skills and competencies. We intend to bring back professionalism in public service,” he said.
Among the abandoned programmes that Mr Mutuma intends to revive are the Mt Kenya Mountain running championship for raising cancer funds, the Meru Youth Service, the Governor’s Cup, Music talent search programme, women empowerment fund among others.
“My government will prioritise the war against cancer which has left many residents suffering. We will revive the Mountain run to raise funds for facilitating screening and treatment of cancer patients,” he said.
The governor said he will ensure labour issues among workers are resolved promptly.
Following an outcry by local contractors that they have been sidelined in award of road contracts, Mr Mutuma pledged to reverse the actions of his predecessor.
The former governor contracted the national government’s Mechanical and Transport Fund to maintain all county roads at a cost of more than Sh500 million.
“I will revive and revamp the Meru Youth Service to train more young people in skills they need for job creation. Every year, we will organise the governor’s cup competition to identify and nurture talent,” governor Mutuma said.
The county boss announced the establishment of a social-economic empowerment programme dubbed ‘Rukisha’ targeting women.
He directed the reinstatement of county rangers who were withdrawn from the northern grazing zone to help fight banditry.
Mr Mutuma also directed the county legal team to work towards withdrawal of a court case that led to the disbandment of the county public service board.
The ceremony was graced by a host of leaders including Water Cabinet Eric Mugaa, Mr Murungi, former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi, former deputy governor Raphael Muriungi and Titus Ntuchiu.
The elected leaders present were senators Kathuri Murungi (Meru), Alexander Mundigi (Embu), MPs Rahim Dawood (North Imenti), John Paul Mwirigi (Igembe South), John Mutunga (Tigania West), Shadrack Mwiti (Imenti South), Julius Taitumu (Igembe North), Karambu Kailemia (Woman Representative), Mugambi Rindikiri (Buuri), Dorothy Muthoni (nominated) and Mpuru Aburi (Tigania East).
Meanwhile, the high court in Meru certified as urgent a petition that was seeking to stop the swearing-in of Mr Mutuma.
Mr Mike Makarina, a political activist, appeared before Justice Heston Mbogo, who did not grant a prayer for conservatory orders.
Mr Makarina argues that the gazettement of the assumption of office of governor committee and the swearing in ceremony are unconstitutional.