Isaac Mutuma to succeed Mwangaza as Meru Governor, swearing-in set for Monday

Meru County Deputy Governor Isaac Mutuma M’Ethingia will succeed Kawira Mwangaza as the devolved unit's boss following the High Court’s Friday decision to uphold her impeachment by the Senate. 

The government, through the Chairperson of the Assumption of the Office of the Governor Committee, announced the development in a gazette notice dated March 14. 

Mutuma's swearing-in ceremony will take place on Monday, March 17 at Mwendantu Grounds in Meru County. 

“It is notified for information of the General public that the swearing-in ceremony of Isaac Mutuma M’Ethingia as Governor of Meru County shall take place on Monday, March 17, 2025, at Mwendantu Grounds, starting at 8:30 am,” the notice reads in part. 

Before this, Mutuma, a Reverend in the Methodist Churches of Kenya, served as a Senior Officer in the Kenya Prisons Service.

He has also held positions as a Child Rights Advocate with Plan International, a Youth Representative for Habitat for Humanity in the Mount Kenya Region, and a Human Rights Officer and Inmate Rehabilitation Program Implementer within the prison services. 

Academically, he holds a Higher Diploma in Forensic Psychology and Criminology from the Kenya Institute of Studies in Criminal Justice and a Bachelor's Degree in Theology from Kenya Methodist University.

Mutuma is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Governance and Ethics at Mount Kenya University.

In its ruling on Friday, the High Court stated that the Senate had acted within the Constitution during Mwangaza’s removal process, dismissing her claims that the impeachment was marred by irregularities. 

The court also indicated that Mwangaza had failed to provide sufficient evidence to support her allegations.

"This court finds that the amended petition is without merit and dismissed. The gazette notice published on 21 August 2024 to remove her from office is affirmed," ruled Justice Bahati Mwamuye.

Additionally, the court determined that the Senate did not violate any court orders during the impeachment.

Mwangaza had argued that the Senate proceeded with her removal despite pending court proceedings aimed at blocking the process.

However, the court found no substantial proof that the Senate had defied any valid court directive.