KENYA: Isaac Mutuma Sworn In As Meru Governor Following Kawira Mwangaza’s Impeachment

By Lisbeth Micheni, Kenya 

Isaac Mutuma M’Ethingia, has officially taken over as the Governor of Meru County, Kenya, following the impeachment of his predecessor, Kawira Mwangaza.

The swearing-in ceremony took place on Monday, at Mwendantu Grounds in Meru, with leaders from within and beyond the county in attendance.

Mutuma, who had been serving as Meru’s Deputy Governor since 2022, assumed the top county leadership position after Mwangaza was ousted by the Senate in 2024.

The impeachment was upheld by a court ruling on March 14, 2025.

Meru’s political scene has been marked by division and controversy since Mwangaza’s election in 2022.

Leaders now expect Mutuma to focus on bringing unity to the county, as well as working closely with the county assembly to implement pending budgets and policies.

Majority Whip Jim Muchui emphasized the need for stability, stating that the people of Meru have endured leadership struggles for two years.

He urged the new governor to bridge the gap between the executive and the assembly to ensure smooth governance.

Mwangaza’s impeachment saw 26 senators vote in favor of her removal, while 14 abstained, and only four opposed the motion. It was the third impeachment attempt against her, highlighting the turbulent leadership tenure she had faced.

Meanwhile, a legal challenge has been filed against Mutuma’s swearing-in. The petitioner argues that the ceremony did not adhere to constitutional and legal procedures regarding the assumption of office.

They claim that the process should have followed the timeline outlined in the Assumption of the Office of Governor Act, which mandates a specific waiting period after a vacancy is declared.

The case has now been brought before the court, which will determine whether Mutuma’s swearing-in complied with legal requirements.