Isaac Mutuma M’Ethingia has been sworn in as the new Meru County Governor following the upheld impeachment of former Governor Kawira Mwangaza.
In the ceremony held on Monday, March 17, 2025, at Mwendantu Grounds, Mutuma, who previously served as Meru’s Deputy Governor, automatically assumed the county’s top leadership position in accordance with Article 182(2) of the Constitution.
In his inaugural speech to the thousands of residents who gathered to witness this historic event, the new governor expressed his gratitude and commitment to serving the people of Meru.
“Today is a solemn and significant day for our beloved county. I stand before you humbled and deeply honoured to be entrusted with the responsibility of leading Meru County as your Governor,” Mutuma told the cheering crowd.
He acknowledged the overwhelming support he had received and pledged to lead with integrity and dedication.
“I am overwhelmed by your love, support and enthusiasm. Your presence here and the celebrations that broke out in all parts of the county are a clear indication of the confidence you have in me. I promise not to let you down,” Mutuma stated.
Emphasizing the importance of unity in the county, he clarified that his leadership would focus on service rather than grand promises.
“I am aware that we face many challenges and I am here not to make grand promises but to offer you servant leadership, commitment to unity and dedication to working hand in hand with all of you to build a brighter future for Meru,” he pledged.
Who is Mutuma?
Before becoming governor, Mutuma served as the Deputy Governor of Meru County, having been elected on a joint independent ticket alongside Kawira Mwangaza in 2022.
They achieved a significant victory by receiving 209,148 votes, defeating seasoned politicians such as the UDA candidate Mithika Linturi, who garnered 183,859 votes, and former Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi, who received 110,814 votes.
Like his predecessor Kawira, Mutuma is a reverend who has served in various capacities within the Methodist Church of Kenya.
Prior to entering politics, he worked as a senior officer at the Kenya Prisons Service, where he held roles as the Human Rights Officer and the Inmate Rehabilitation Programme Implementer.
He began his career as a junior prison officer and rose through the ranks, eventually influencing policy and advocating for the rights and living conditions of inmates.
Mutuma holds a bachelor’s degree in theology from the Kenya Methodist University and a higher diploma in forensic psychology and criminology from the Kenya Institute of Studies in Criminal Justice.
He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in governance and ethics at Mount Kenya University.
