Inside Mutuma’s plan to unite Meru County
By Cy Muganda, March 17, 2025Newly sworn-in Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma M’Ethingia has outlined his vision to restore unity and cohesion in the county, pledging to mend divisions that have plagued its leadership in recent years.
Mutuma takes over at a time when Meru County is deeply divided following the impeachment of former Governor Kawira Mwangaza, whose tenure was marked by wrangles with Members of the County Assembly (MCAs).
Speaking during his swearing-in ceremony on Monday, March 17, 2025, at Mwendantu Grounds, Mutuma emphasized the need for reconciliation and collective progress, calling on all leaders and residents to move forward together.
“As your Governor I’ll embark on the following issues; Restoring peace, unity and cohesion,” he stated.
Mutuma acknowledged the county’s history of political turbulence, noting that divisions among leaders had hindered development and created unnecessary conflicts.
“We have a painful past of trials and sacrifice, a burden borne by many of our leaders and the people they lead. A past that we should deliberately and consciously choose to forget, forgive one another, and move forward with a new resolve,” Mutuma stated.
Abandoning political rivalries
He stressed that his primary focus will be fostering harmony among elected officials, community elders, religious leaders, and business stakeholders.
He underscored that unity is the foundation of progress, urging all factions in Meru to abandon political rivalries and work toward a common goal.
“As your new governor, my first and urgent task is to restore the peace and cohesion that is the bedrock of progress. I’ll reach out to all leaders—elected, nominated, appointed, religious leaders, community elders, and even those in the business sector. Together, we shall forge a united front for the betterment of Meru,” he added.
Transparent administration
Mutuma promised a transparent and accountable administration that prioritizes service delivery and public welfare.
He pledged to engage directly with Meru residents and their representatives to ensure inclusive governance.
“With humility, I offer myself to you as a servant leader to provide good leadership, integrity in the management of public affairs, transparency, and accountability,” Mutuma stated.
The new governor called on all residents to turn challenges into opportunities, emphasizing that only through collective effort could Meru regain its glory.
“Our unity is our strength,” he declared.
Who is Mutuma?
Before becoming governor, Mutuma served as the Deputy Governor of Meru County, having been elected on a joint independent ticket alongside Kawira Mwangaza in 2022.
Like his predecessor, Mutuma is a reverend who has served in various capacities within the Methodist Church of Kenya.
Prior to entering politics, he worked as a senior officer at the Kenya Prisons Service, where he held roles as the Human Rights Officer and the Inmate Rehabilitation Programme Implementer.
He began his career as a junior prison officer and rose through the ranks, eventually influencing policy and advocating for the rights and living conditions of inmates.