Meru politician and businessman Michael Makarina has strongly rebuked Tigania East Member of Parliament Mpuru Aburi, accusing him of interfering with the affairs of newly installed Meru Governor Mutuma M’Ethingia, insisting that he should be granted the breathing space to focus on delivering for the people of Meru.

In a strongly worded statement on his Facebook account on Saturday, March 22, 2025, Makarina did not mince his words as he criticised the veteran politician, urging him to back off and allow Mutuma to govern now that his primary mission of ousting Kawira Mwangaza had been accomplished.

According to Makarina, it comes as no surprise that Mpuru would eventually shift his stance on Mutuma, given his notorious habit of incessantly meddling in political affairs, he sternly warned him that divine justice would soon catch up with him for his role in orchestrating the impeachment of Mwangaza.

“Those who know him well are fully aware that this is how he always starts before he erupts completely—very soon, you will hear him claiming, ‘Mutuma is betraying me, Mwimenti is betraying me’—but that is beside the point; my main concern is that Mpuru, now that you have successfully achieved what you were after, should return to Tigania East and focus on serving the people,” Makarina declared.

Makarina, who is also a passionate disability rights activist, went on to issue a stern warning to Mpuru, cautioning him that just as Kawira had faced impeachment, he too could find himself in a similar predicament if he failed to curb his political antics.

“If you do not tread carefully, we will have no option but to expel you as well—kinya no peu kukaana,” he added emphatically.

Mpuru commends Mutuma

Makarina’s remarks were prompted by a viral video featuring the Tigania East legislator, in which he enthusiastically expressed his unwavering support for Mutuma M’Ethingia, vowing to stand by him under any circumstance.

In the clip, Mpuru was heard discussing the 2027 General Election, asserting that Mutuma must focus solely on fulfilling his current mandate as governor rather than being distracted by thoughts of contesting in the upcoming polls, emphasising that all eyes were now firmly fixed on him.

Makarina further urged Mutuma to disregard the propaganda being peddled about him, warning that such misinformation could easily derail his leadership and ultimately jeopardise his chances of cementing his popularity as a formidable political figure in the county, especially as the highly anticipated 2027 elections draw closer.

“I am fully committed to working with him—me, Mpuru Aburi—but Governor Mutuma M’Ethingia, I am addressing you directly; do not listen to the propaganda being spread about you, as they will keep misleading you until two years have slipped away without progress; stay focused on your work and remain vigilant because the Tigania, Igembe, and Mwimenti communities are all watching you closely to see whether you are eyeing the 2027 seat or not,” he asserted.

New governor

Mutuma M’Ethingia ascended to the county’s highest office on Monday, March 17, 2025, following the successful impeachment of former Governor Kawira Mwangaza, which was upheld, consequently paving the way for his automatic assumption of leadership as per Article 182(2) of the Constitution.

During the swearing-in ceremony held at Mwendantu Grounds, Mutuma, who previously served as Meru’s Deputy Governor, officially took over the reins of power, addressing thousands of residents who had gathered to witness this historic transition and affirming his commitment to serving them with integrity and diligence.

“Today marks a momentous occasion for our beloved county, and as I stand before you, I do so with profound humility and immense gratitude for the trust you have bestowed upon me to lead Meru County as your governor,” Mutuma passionately declared to the jubilant crowd.

Expressing his appreciation for the overwhelming support he had received, he assured the people of Meru that he would not betray their confidence, promising to steer the county with unwavering dedication and ethical leadership.

“I am deeply moved by your overwhelming love, support, and enthusiasm, and the sheer magnitude of celebrations witnessed across all corners of this county is a clear testament to the immense faith you have placed in me—I solemnly vow that I shall not let you down,” Mutuma proclaimed.

Stressing the crucial need for unity within the county, he was keen to clarify that his leadership would be grounded in service delivery rather than making grand, unattainable promises, underscoring his resolve to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to chart a prosperous path for Meru.

“I am acutely aware of the many challenges that lie ahead, and I stand before you not to make lofty promises but to commit myself to providing servant leadership, fostering unity, and ensuring that together, we build a brighter future for Meru,” he pledged.

Who is Mutuma?

Before assuming the governorship, Mutuma had served as the Deputy Governor of Meru County, having been elected on an independent ticket alongside Kawira Mwangaza in the 2022 General Election.

Their joint candidacy secured a commanding victory with 209,148 votes, triumphing over seasoned politicians such as the UDA candidate Mithika Linturi, who garnered 183,859 votes, and former Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi, who received 110,814 votes.

Like his predecessor Kawira, Mutuma is also a reverend with a long-standing history of service in the Methodist Church of Kenya, where he has held various leadership roles, shaping his approach to governance through a lens of faith and ethical stewardship.

Before venturing into politics, he carved out a distinguished career in the Kenya Prisons Service, where he rose through the ranks from a junior prison officer to a senior officer, serving as the Human Rights Officer and spearheading the Inmate Rehabilitation Programme, where he played a pivotal role in influencing policies that improved inmates’ rights and living conditions.