Isaac Mutuma to be sworn in as Fourth governor of Meru
Former governor Kawira Mwangaza was impeached by 26 senators last year on charges of gross misconduct and violation of the constitution.
Meru Deputy Governor Isaac Mutuma is set to be sworn in today as the Fourth governor of Meru County following the high court upheld the impeachment of Kawira Mwangaza by the Senate.
Mutuma, the Deputy Governor since the 2022 General elections, will be taking the oath of office at the Mwendantu grounds in Meru County.
Addressing the local press, Meru County Assembly Majority Chief Whip Jim Muchui said Mutuma’s first assignment is uniting the assembly and the County Executive who have been battling since 2022 after Mwangaza took over.
“As a new Sherriff, the first responsibility will be bridging the gap between the Assembly and the Executive. For the last two years, Meru has been divided,” Muchui stated.
He added that the incoming governor is also expected to immediately submit a supplementary budget, which has been pending.
Mwangaza was impeached by 26 senators last year on charges of gross misconduct and violation of the constitution.
This was the third time she was being impeached and the fifth attempt as two failed.
The governor, however, moved to the court to challenge her removal and the high court gave interim orders blocking the swearing in of her deputy as the next County administrator.
However, last week, Justice Bahati Mwamuye upheld the decision by the Senate to impeach Mwangaza.
Justice Bahati Mwamuye ruled that the petition by the Meru governor did not meet the threshold required to squash her impeachment.
“The amended petition dated 23rd December 2024, which is the subject of the proceedings herein, is found to be without merit and is dismissed accordingly,” Mwamuye ruled.
“The Gazette Notice No 10351 Volume CXXV1 No 130, dated 20th August, published on 21st August 2024, and issued by the respondent communicating the decision and the resolution of the senate to remove the petitioner from office as the Governor of Meru County by way of impeachment is affirmed,” he added.
Mwamuye noted that the Senate acted according to the constitution as he dismissed her claims that the impeachment was marred by irregularities.
The court noted that the embattled governor failed to provide sufficient evidence to support her allegations.
He declined a request to stay the orders to allow Mwangaza to appeal paving the way for today’s ceremony, which is currently underway.
