Newly-sworn in Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma says his priority as he takes over office is to restore peace, and cohesion in the county.
Mutuma acknowledged that the county is facing many divisions among leaders hence the urgent need to address it as this is the bedrock of progress.
“I will reach out to all leaders-elected, nominated, appointed, religious leaders, community elders and even those in the business sector,” he said.
“Together, we shall forge a united force for the betterment of Meru.”
He also assured the residents that he is going to engage them directly and indirectly through the elected leaders emphasising the need to come together to resolve underlying issues and restore the glory of the county.
He said his assumption of office marks the beginning of new leadership in the county noting the political grandstanding has come to an instant end.
Mutuma who was sworn in Monday morning becomes the fourth governor of Meru, succeeding Kawira Mwangaza who was impeached.
The court upheld Mwangaza's impeachment on March 14.
In his judgment delivered, Justice Bahati Mwamuye ruled that the petition challenging Mwangaza’s removal did not meet the legal threshold to overturn the Senate’s decision.
He affirmed that Mwangaza was accorded a fair hearing and dismissed her plea to invalidate the gazette notice confirming her removal.
The swearing-in ceremony, presided over by a High Court judge, was held at Mwendantu grounds in Meru.
Water Cabinet Secretary Eric Muuga, Cooperatives Principal Secretary Patrick Kiburi and Laikipia Deputy Governor Reuben Kamuri among several other leaders attended.
Mutuma was elected as Meru deputy governor in the 2022 polls alongside Mwangaza on an independent ticket.
Before his election, Mutuma served as a senior officer in the Kenya Prisons Service and worked as a Reverend in the Methodist Churches of Kenya.
He holds a Higher Diploma in Forensic Psychology and Criminology from the Kenya Institute of Studies in Criminal Justice, as well as a Bachelor's Degree in Theology from Kenya Methodist University.
