Isaac Mutuma M'Ethingia: The man who may become Meru's next governor

Following the Senate's decision to uphold the impeachment of Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza by the County Assembly of Meru, attention has begun shifting to her deputy Isaac Mutuma M'Ethingia.

During the voting, the Senate went into early Wednesday morning, where they voted to send the governor home.

However, on Wednesday the High Court suspended the Senate's decision to uphold her impeachment.

The High Court's decision to suspend the Senate's verdict to impeach Mwangaza has handed the embattled Governor a lifeline.

Interestingly, the order came on the same day Senate Speaker Amason Kingi gazetted Mwangaza's impeachment, technically rendering the county boss jobless. The gazette notice was dated August 20 and published on August 21.

However, Deputy Governor M'Ethingia cannot be sworn in to succeed Mwangaza until the case filed is determined.

But who is M'Ethingia?

A Methodist Church minister and former prison officer, he is the son of the late Paul M'Ethingia, who was the chairman of the Njuri Ncheke council.

He gained prominence in February 2022 when he was selected as Governor Mwangaza's running mate.

Governor Mwangaza, also the bishop of Baite Family Fellowship Church, chose M'Ethingia as her running mate after "extensive prayer and consultations".

"He joins a team of smart brains and servants of the people. I could not appoint him without prayers," Mwangaza said then.

The DG acknowledged that while he did not have experience in political office.

Meru Deputy Governor Isaac Mutuma M'Ethingia during a past rally. (Photo: Handout)

"I will take this as a calling from heaven and a divine assignment to serve God's holy mandate in the high office of deputy governor of Meru," M'Ethingia said then.

Known as Reverend M'Ethingia, the DG holds a Higher Diploma in Forensic Psychology and Criminology from the Kenya Institute of Studies in Criminal Justice, as well as a Bachelor's Degree in Theology from Kenya Methodist University (KeMU).

M'Ethingia also holds a Master's Degree in Governance and Ethics from Mount Kenya University.

He previously served as a Child Rights Advocate with Plan International, a youth representative for Habitat for Humanity in the Mount Kenya Region, and a Human Rights Officer and Inmate Rehabilitation Programme Implementer within the prison services.

Power wrangles

Leadership wrangles emerged in Meru County as early as May last year when Embattled Governor Mwangaza fell out with her deputy, M'Ethingia.

The two were at a crossroads after one of the deputy governor's official cars was revoked and his assistant was later dismissed.

In February this year, DG M'Ethingia claimed that allies of his boss, Kawira Mwangaza, were attempting to pressure him into resigning.

Despite being allegedly offered substantial benefits to step down, M'Ethingiaa stated that he would not resign.

"We are operating in a very hostile environment in Meru and as deputy governor, I have said time and again that things are escalating from bad to worse," he said.

Take over

Until the court case is determined, M'Ethingia cannot take over as the Meru Governor.

For M'Ethingia in case his boss, Mwangaza loses her case, the ascension to the governor's seat will be automatic.

Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza during her impeachment hearing at the Senate on August 19, 2024. (Photo: Senate)

"If a vacancy occurs in the office of county governor, the deputy county governor shall assume office as county governor for the remainder of the term of the county governor," Article 182 (2) of the Constitution states.

A deputy governor who takes over when less than two and a half years of that time remains will be viewed as not having served a full term.

In Kenya, deputy governors who have taken over after the impeachment of their bosses are Nairobi's Anne Kananu, Ahmed Muktar (Wajir) and James Nyoro (Kiambu),

Others who took over after the death of their bosses include Hillary Barchok (Bomet), Amos Nyaribo (Nyamira), Samuel Wamathai (Nyeri) and Mutahi Kahiga (Nyeri).

If sworn into office, M'Ethingia will have to pick a deputy governor.

In 2018, the Supreme Court ruled that a vacant Deputy Governor position could not be filled through a new election.

They determined that there must not be a vacancy in the Deputy Governor's office until the next General Election.

The Court provided guidelines for filling the vacancy, stating that governors must make new nominations within 14 days to replace Deputy Governors who resign, die, or are impeached.

These nominees must then be approved by County Assemblies within 60 days before taking the oath of office.