Leaders and residents from all corners of the county assembled at Mwendantu Grounds in Meru Town to witness the swearing-in of Isaac Mutuma. Supporters and officials filled the air with songs of celebration, expressing their confidence in his leadership.
Mutuma, who served as Deputy Governor after winning the 2022 election on an independent ticket alongside Mwangaza, now takes charge of a politically charged Meru County.
The County Assembly (MCAs) have already moved forward with impeachment and censure motions against eight County Executive Committee Members (CECMs) who served under Mwangaza.
Former Governor Kiraitu Murungi has expressed his support for Mutuma, calling for unity among county leaders behind him.
Drawing a biblical analogy, Murungi compared Mutuma to Nehemiah, who rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem, and shared his optimism for his leadership.
“Hon. Rev. Mutuma M’Ethingia will rebuild the fallen walls of Meru, just like Nehemiah did with the walls of Jerusalem in the Bible. I urge my fellow leaders to support him in his mission to restore Meru to greatness. Meru is bigger than all of us,” Murungi said in a statement on Monday.
Mutuma’s swearing-in marks the end of a lengthy leadership struggle that led to Mwangaza’s removal.
On March 14, High Court Judge Bahati Mwamuye dismissed a petition that challenged her impeachment, ruling that it did not meet the legal criteria to reverse the Senate’s decision.
“The court reviewed the entire impeachment process and concluded that Mwangaza was given ample opportunity to present her defense and respond to the accusations,” Mwamuye ruled, rejecting her request to invalidate the gazette notice confirming her removal.
Mwangaza’s ouster was finalized on August 21, 2024, after 26 senators voted to remove her from office on grounds of gross misconduct and constitutional violations.
Four senators opposed the impeachment, while 14 abstained.
This was the third impeachment motion against Mwangaza to reach the Senate.
With the transition now complete, all eyes are on Mutuma as he assumes leadership, tasked with uniting the county and guiding Meru toward a prosperous future.