Isaac Mutuma Set for Monday Inauguration as New Meru County Governor

Isaac Mutuma is poised to be sworn in as the new Governor of Meru County on Monday, March 17, at 8:30 a.m. at Mwendantu Grounds, following the impeachment of Governor Kawira Mwangaza.

The Assumption of Office Committee, as per a gazette notice issued on March 14, has officially announced the inauguration. The transition comes after a High Court ruling on Friday, presided over by Justice Bahati Mwamuye, upheld Mwangaza’s impeachment, thereby clearing the path for Mutuma to assume the governorship.

“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.

The court determined that the petition challenging the impeachment lacked sufficient grounds for reversal, affirming that the process afforded Mwangaza adequate opportunity to defend herself against the allegations. Consequently, her request to invalidate the gazette notice confirming her removal was dismissed.

"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.

The Constitution of Kenya stipulates that a deputy governor assumes the governorship in the event of a vacancy. The length of the remaining term is a critical factor, as the Constitution states that if the remaining term exceeds two and a half years before the next general election, the deputy governor's tenure is considered a full term. Otherwise, it is not classified as such.