Governor Mutuma: This is how I plan to restore Meru’s glory
Mutuma takes over from former Governor Kawira Mwangaza, who was impeached and removed from office after the High Court upheld her impeachment on March 14. Justice Bahati Mwamuye ruled that her removal met the legal threshold and dismissed her petition to overturn the Senate’s decision.
Meru’s newly sworn-in Governor Isaac Mutuma has outlined his ambitious plans for the county, promising to restore unity, improve healthcare, revamp infrastructure and empower the youth.
Speaking at his inauguration ceremony at Mwendantu Grounds on Monday, Mutuma assured residents that his leadership would focus on transparency, accountability and service delivery.
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“I humbly offer myself to the people of Meru as a servant leader to provide good leadership, integrity in the management of public affairs, transparency and accountability,” he said.
Mutuma pledged to collaborate with the national government to ensure Meru residents benefit from the national health insurance scheme. He emphasised that the county government would cover insurance costs for the most vulnerable residents.
“Meru residents deserve the dignity of receiving medical care without the fear of financial strain,” he said.
In addition, he vowed to operationalise the Cancer Act passed by the previous administration and equip cancer centres to enhance research, diagnosis and treatment. To support this initiative, he announced the revival of the Mount Kenya Mountain Running Championship, an event that will raise funds for cancer treatment.
“We must give hope to our people,” Mutuma said.
To combat unemployment, the governor committed to revamping the Meru Youth Service to equip young people with market-driven skills. Graduates of the programme will receive startup kits to help them establish businesses, a move expected to create over 1,000 jobs annually.
“I will revive and revamp the Meru Youth Service to train more young people in skills they need for job creation,” he said.
Additionally, he announced plans to introduce the Governor’s Cup, a county-wide football tournament, as well as a music talent search programme to nurture and promote young talent.
Mutuma vowed to enhance Meru’s road network to boost economic growth and ease transportation. He pledged to prioritise local contractors for county projects, reversing the previous administration’s move to award road contracts to the national government’s Mechanical and Transport Fund.
“My government will ensure county roads are well-maintained and that our local contractors are prioritised in awarding of tenders,” he said.
The governor further committed to tackling gender-based violence and teenage pregnancies by working with development partners to introduce intervention programmes. He also assured young mothers of support to continue their education or acquire vocational training.
To address internal conflicts within the county workforce, Mutuma promised to end intimidation, political witch-hunts and unprocedural staff transfers.
“We will strategically heal the wounds, retool and realign staff with their skills and competencies. We intend to bring back professionalism in public service,” he said.
He further directed the reinstatement of county rangers to combat banditry in the northern grazing zones and announced legal efforts to reinstate the disbanded County Public Service Board.
Mutuma said his priority was to restore unity among Meru leaders, workers, and residents, acknowledging the deep divisions within the county government.
“As your governor, the most urgent task is to restore peace and cohesion, which is the bedrock of progress. I will reach out to all leaders—elected, nominated, appointed, religious leaders, community elders, and business leaders,” he said.
Meru Assembly Majority Whip Jim Muchui urged Mutuma to move swiftly in uniting the divided leadership, workers and residents.
“Mutuma should work on restoring Meru County’s image as a top contributor to Kenya’s GDP. There is a need to bring all elected leaders together so we can also lobby for national government projects. There is no time to waste,” Muchui said.
Mutuma takes over from former Governor Kawira Mwangaza, who was impeached and removed from office after the High Court upheld her impeachment on March 14. Justice Bahati Mwamuye ruled that her removal met the legal threshold and dismissed her petition to overturn the Senate’s decision.
Mutuma, who served as Mwangaza’s deputy, was elected alongside her in the 2022 polls as an independent candidate. Before joining politics, he was a senior officer in the Kenya Prisons Service and a reverend in the Methodist Church of Kenya. He holds a Higher Diploma in Forensic Psychology and Criminology from the Kenya Institute of Studies in Criminal Justice and a Bachelor's Degree in Theology from Kenya Methodist University.
His swearing-in ceremony was presided over by a High Court judge and attended by several leaders, including Water Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa, former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi, former Deputy Governor Raphael Muriungi, and various MPs and senators from Meru and surrounding counties.
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