MERU, Kenya – Isaac Mutuma has officially taken over as the Governor of Meru County following the impeachment of Kawira Mwangaza, whose removal was upheld by both the Senate and the High Court.
Mutuma was sworn in on Monday at Mwendantu Grounds in Meru, in a ceremony attended by key government officials, including Water Cabinet Secretary Eric Muga, Cooperatives Principal Secretary Patrick Kiburi, and Laikipia Deputy Governor Reuben Kamuri, among others.
His assumption of office comes after a protracted legal battle.
Mwangaza was impeached by the Meru County Assembly in December 2023 on allegations of abuse of office and misappropriation of funds.
The Senate upheld the impeachment, and while Mwangaza sought judicial intervention, the High Court ruled against her.
On Friday, March 14, Justice Bahati Mwamuye dismissed her challenge, affirming that due process was followed and that she had been granted a fair hearing.
The court also declined to invalidate the gazette notice confirming her removal.
Mutuma now takes charge of the county’s leadership after serving as deputy governor since 2022.
He and Mwangaza ran as independent candidates in that election, securing a surprise victory over political heavyweights, including former governor Kiraitu Murungi and ex-Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya.
Before venturing into politics, Mutuma built a career in law enforcement, serving as a senior officer in the Kenya Prisons Service.
He is also a Reverend in the Methodist Church of Kenya.
His academic background includes a Higher Diploma in Forensic Psychology and Criminology from the Kenya Institute of Studies in Criminal Justice, as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology from Kenya Methodist University.
