MERU, Kenya – Meru Deputy Governor Isaac Mutuma M’Ethingia is set to be sworn in as the county’s new governor following a High Court ruling that upheld the impeachment of Governor Kawira Mwangaza.
Justice Bahati Mwamuye, in a judgment delivered on Friday, March 14, dismissed Mwangaza’s legal challenge against her removal, stating that the Senate had followed due process in impeaching her.
The court found that the petition lacked merit and that Mwangaza had been given a fair hearing before her ouster.
“The court has assessed the totality of the impeachment process and found that she was given ample opportunity to present her case and respond to allegations levelled against her,” ruled Justice Mwamuye.
With the court’s decision effectively sealing Mwangaza’s fate, the government has announced that Mutuma will take the oath of office as Meru’s fourth governor on Monday, March 17, at Mwendantu Grounds.
“It is notified for information of the general public that the swearing-in ceremony of Isaac Mutuma M’Ethingia as the Governor of Meru County shall take place on Monday, 17th March 2025, at Mwendantu Grounds, starting at 8:30 a.m.,” reads part of a Gazette Notice dated March 14.
Mutuma, who entered politics in 2022 as Mwangaza’s running mate, has largely kept a low political profile until now.
The duo ran as independent candidates and secured a surprise victory against political heavyweights, including former governors Kiraitu Murungi and Peter Munya.
Before his election, Mutuma built his career in public service, notably as a senior officer in the Kenya Prisons Service. He is also an ordained minister with the Methodist Church of Kenya.
Academically, he holds a Higher Diploma in Forensic Psychology and Criminology from the Kenya Institute of Studies in Criminal Justice, a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology from Kenya Methodist University, and a Master’s Degree in Governance and Ethics from Mount Kenya University.
Beyond his official roles, Mutuma has been involved in social justice initiatives, serving as a Child Rights Advocate with Plan International and a youth representative for Habitat for Humanity in the Mount Kenya region.
He has also worked as a Human Rights Officer and led inmate rehabilitation programs within the prison service.
