With preparations underway for the swearing-in of incoming Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma M’Ethingia on Monday, March 17, 2025, here is a look at his background and leadership journey.
Mutuma currently serves as the Deputy Governor of Meru County, having been elected on an independent ticket alongside former Governor Kawira Mwangaza in 2022.
The duo secured victory in a closely contested race, garnering 209,148 votes against UDA’s Mithika Linturi, who received 183,859 votes, and former Governor Kiraitu Murungi, who managed 110,814 votes.
Mutuma is now set to take over the leadership of Meru, a county marred by political wrangles. Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) have already tabled impeachment and censure motions against eight of Kawira’s County Executive Committee Members (CECMs).
Like his predecessor, Mutuma is a reverend in the Methodist Church of Kenya, having served in various capacities.
Their election in 2022 was seen as a major upset, with voters drawn to their reputation for honesty and strong ties to community development initiatives. Their shared background in faith and community work made them appear as a unified leadership team.
Before joining politics, Mutuma was a senior officer at the Kenya Prisons Service, where he played a key role in human rights advocacy and inmate rehabilitation.
He started his career as a junior officer, rising through the ranks to influence policy reforms aimed at improving the welfare of prisoners.
Mutuma is currently pursuing a master’s degree in governance and ethics at Mount Kenya University.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in theology from Kenya Methodist University and a higher diploma in forensic psychology and criminology from the Kenya Institute of Studies in Criminal Justice.
Beyond his government service, Mutuma has been actively involved in charitable work. He has served as a Child Rights Advocate with Plan International and as chairman of several institutions. Additionally, he was the Youth Representative for Habitat for Humanity in the Mount Kenya Region.
According to Article 182(2) of the Constitution, a deputy governor assumes office for the remainder of the term if the governor’s seat falls vacant.
This follows the impeachment of Kawira Mwangaza, which was upheld by the High Court in Nairobi on Friday, March 14, 2025. The court dismissed her petition challenging the Senate’s decision to remove her from office, ruling that due process was followed and the charges met the constitutional threshold.
Mwangaza had argued that her impeachment violated constitutional provisions and defied a court order. However, the Senate Speaker defended the process, stating that she was given a fair hearing.
With the court ruling in favor of her removal, Mutuma is now set to take over as the new governor of Meru County.
