Isaac Mutuma: Who is Meru’s new governor?

The new Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma M'Ethingia took the oath of office on Monday, replacing the impeached Kawira Mwangaza who had been at the helm of the county for nearly three years.

The new county boss promised Meru residents sweeping reforms across healthcare and youth empowerment.

So, who is the man at the helm of Meru County?

M'Ethingia started his political journey in 2022 when Mwangaza picked him as her running mate.

However, during their tenure, their relationship deteriorated due to petty disagreements characterised by mutual accusations and public disputes.

Mutuma has a background in public service; he served in various public service roles in state agencies and other institutions.

He served as a Senior Officer in the Kenya Prisons Service. The governor also previously served 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.

Mutuma, a son of the former chairman of both the Meru and Kenya Council of Elders, additionally served as a reverend in the Methodist Churches of Kenya.

He holds 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.

He is pursuing a master's degree in Governance and Ethics at Mount Kenya University.