Meru Governor Mutuma praises his deputy, vows to uplift women’s leadership
By Luke Oluoch, November 16, 2025Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma M’Ethingia has heaped praises on his deputy, Linda Kiome Gitonga, dismissing assertions that the region discriminates against women.
Speaking at a public event on Saturday, November 15, 2025, Mutuma hailed Kiome for maintaining a dignified presence both in speech and conduct.
Inspirational
“In Meru, we are blessed with exceptionally brilliant women, starting with my deputy governor, whose leadership continues to inspire our county. She is an educated and brave woman. She is also a lawyer and does not curse people. I wonder if these are the kind of women we were being told we hate,” she said.
Mutuma refuted assertions that the Meru community tends to sideline women, stressing that he was focused on empowering women’s leadership during his tenure as governor.
“Our women have been fearing that the Meru is a patriarchal society because Meru is ruled by Njuri Ncheke. Some people claim we hate women. Others say only men speak over here, but we have uplifted them, and we trust them. We will proudly walk with them in leadership,” he stated.
Kiome’s rise to the deputy governor position has been a remarkable journey of self-determination.
She enjoyed a massive presence in the country’s legal field as a renowned advocate of the High Court and daughter of the former Meru Municipality MCA.
Kiome’s rise to DG
In addition, she was part of Mithika Linturi’s campaign team as his running mate in the unsuccessful 2022 gubernatorial bid.
She later served as a commissioner in the IEBC selection panel before the current governor opted to leverage her experience after ascending to the seat following the impeachment of Kawira Mwangaza.
In his decision to settle on Kiome, Mutuma alluded to her strong morals and professionalism and non-controversial nature.
“Mrs. Kiome is my choice; she is a sharp lawyer, a respectable and principled, calm lady. I am beyond doubt that she will help me bring peace, unity, and economic growth to this county,” the Meru governor said.